Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
St. Louis is 12% more affordable than Nashville. A $75,000 salary in Nashville is equivalent to $66,176 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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