Is St. Louis or Houston more affordable?
St. Louis has a median rent of $950/month, while Houston is $1,250/month. St. Louis is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
St. Louis, MO vs Houston, TX
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between St. Louis and Houston.
3
St. Louis wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Houston wins
MO
St. Louis
vs
TX
Houston
Overview
293,310
Population
2,304,580
$42,000
Median Income
+24.6%$52,338✓
Cost of Living
$950✓
Median Rent / mo
+31.6%$1,250
$165,000✓
Median Home Price
+60.6%$265,000
27%
Rent-to-Income %
29%
Taxes
4.70%
State Income Tax
None✓
8.68%
Local Tax Rate
8.25%
Climate & Weather
64°F
Avg High Temp
77°F
44°F
Avg Low Temp
57°F
205 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
204 days
40"
Annual Rainfall
50"
Who should choose
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a city in Missouri with a population of 293,310.
Read full St. Louis guide →Who should choose
Houston, TX
Houston is a city in Texas with a population of 2,304,580.
Read full Houston guide →St. Louis vs Houston — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — St. Louis or Houston?
Missouri has a 4.70% state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. Houston wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between St. Louis and Houston?
St. Louis gets 205 sunny days/year. Houston gets 204 sunny days/year. Avg high in St. Louis: 64°F. Avg high in Houston: 77°F
Which city is better for families — St. Louis or Houston?
St. Louis. Houston. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.