Quick answer
St. Louis costs $620/month less overall ($1,580 vs $2,200/mo). But Tampa's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,960/year.
City Comparison · 2026
St. Louis vs Tampa
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
St. Louis vs Tampa at a Glance
| Metric | St. Louis | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,100 ✓ | $2,100 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Median Home Price | $215K ✓ | $390K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $335 ✓ | $345 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,580 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Walk Score | 52/100 ✓ | 52/100 |
| Transit Score | 38/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 4.95% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: St. Louis's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $1,680 in Tampa — a $580/month difference, or $6,960/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Tampa charges None state income tax vs Up to 4.95% in St. Louis. On an $80K salary that's a $3,960/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,940 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in St. Louis are $215K vs $390K in Tampa. At a 20% down payment, that's a $35,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Tampa utilities run $30 more per month than St. Louis.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Tampa, FL
Tampa is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
St. Louis
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with ice storms, severe thunderstorm season
Tampa
Subtropical: hot humid summers (June–Oct, lightning capital of the US); warm dry winters (60s–70s°F)
Job Market
St. Louis top industries
Tampa top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to St. Louis if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're a manufacturing professionals
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Tampa if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a beach lifestyle seekers
- →You're a retirees
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Louis or Tampa cheaper to live in?
St. Louis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,580 in St. Louis vs $2,200 in Tampa — a $620/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — St. Louis or Tampa?
Tampa is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52/100 vs 52/100. St. Louis is more car-dependent.
St. Louis vs Tampa: which has lower state income tax?
Tampa has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,960/year vs St. Louis (Up to 4.95%).
Is St. Louis or Tampa better for buying a home?
St. Louis has lower median home prices at $215K vs $390K in Tampa — a $175,000 difference on the median home.