Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 14.5% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 91% (151.1 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $65,497 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) | Washington | St. Louis | Washington vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 95.1 | +14.5% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 100.0 | +4.9% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 79.0 | +91.3% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 69.9 | +52.6% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 98.6 | +3.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 91.0 | +26.1% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in St. Louis | $43,665 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in St. Louis | $87,330 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in St. Louis | $130,994 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.