Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 8.9% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 42% (112.0 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $68,841 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) | Chicago | St. Louis | Chicago vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 95.1 | +8.9% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 100.0 | +7.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 79.0 | +41.7% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 69.9 | +19.5% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 98.6 | +1.9% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 91.0 | +15.8% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in St. Louis | $45,894 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in St. Louis | $91,788 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in St. Louis | $137,682 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.