Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 13.9% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 88% (148.4 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $65,871 buys in St. Louis, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | St. Louis | Boston vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 95.1 | +13.9% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 100.0 | -0.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 79.0 | +87.8% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 69.9 | +112.8% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 98.6 | +5.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 91.0 | +18.3% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in St. Louis | $43,914 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in St. Louis | $87,828 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in St. Louis | $131,742 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.