Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
St. Louis is 16% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $63,084 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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