Columbus vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Columbus feels like approximately $59,312 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Columbus feels like $59,312 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 15%.
Columbus
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Columbus, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.
No city is objectively better. Columbus and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Columbus vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Columbus or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,194/mo in Columbus and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Columbus?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Columbus feels like approximately $59,312 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 15% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Columbus and St. Louis?
Columbus is in OH (OH levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.