Quick answer
St. Louis costs $300/month less overall ($1,580 vs $1,880/mo). St. Louis also has lower state income tax (Up to 4.95% vs 7.65%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs St. Louis
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
Madison vs St. Louis at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 | $1,380 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 | $1,380 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $370K | $215K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $145 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $335 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 | $1,580 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 52/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 38/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | Up to 4.95% ✓ |
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 $1,380 in Madison — a $280/month difference, or $3,360/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: St. Louis charges Up to 4.95% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $2,160/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $5,940 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in St. Louis are $215K vs $370K in Madison. At a 20% down payment, that's a $31,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $145/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
St. Louis
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with ice storms, severe thunderstorm season
Job Market
Madison top industries
St. Louis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
St. Louis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,580 in St. Louis vs $1,880 in Madison — a $300/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or St. Louis?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 52/100. St. Louis is more car-dependent.
Madison vs St. Louis: which has lower state income tax?
St. Louis has lower state income tax (Up to 4.95%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,160/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or St. Louis better for buying a home?
St. Louis has lower median home prices at $215K vs $370K in Madison — a $155,000 difference on the median home.