Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 3.7% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 32% (104.5 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $72,307 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) | Houston | St. Louis | Houston vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 95.1 | +3.7% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 100.0 | +0.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 79.0 | +32.3% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 69.9 | +36.3% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 98.6 | -3.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 91.0 | +9.3% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in St. Louis | $48,205 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in St. Louis | $96,410 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in St. Louis | $144,615 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.