Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
St. Louis is 44% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $41,667 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $365,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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