Key factors that impact the cost of your Dallas to St. Louis move
What to know before moving from Dallas to St. Louis
Moving from Dallas to St. Louis means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Dallas than in St. Louis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Dallas compares to St. Louis so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Dallas | St. Louis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,774 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $303,900 | $171,463 |
Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $66,090 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,828 | $2,589 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $6,573 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 6.3% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.68% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.8% |
- Rent prices in St. Louis are 30% lower than in Dallas, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in St. Louis.
Home prices in St. Louis are 43.6% lower than in Dallas. - Income in St. Louis is 3.2% lower than in Dallas, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Louis include BJC HealthCare, Walmart, and Washington University.
- The cost of living for a single person in St. Louis is 8.5% lower than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in St. Louis is 15.7% lower than in Dallas.
- The unemployment rate in St. Louis is 75.00% higher than in Dallas.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Louis, since the cityโs sales taxes in St. Louis are 17.33% higher than in Dallas.
- State income taxes in St. Louis are 4.80% higher than in Dallas.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,746.46 in St. Louis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.
How life is different in Dallas vs. St. Louis
St. Louis | Dallas | |
---|---|---|
Population | 293,310 | 1,304,379 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 66 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 58 | 49 |
Crime Index | 69.65 | 51.4 |
Safety Index | 30.35 | 48.6 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- St. Louis might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 78% less than Dallas.
- St. Louis offers better access to buses and trains than Dallas, based on public transportation ratings. St. Louis has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Dallas. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in St. Louis means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Dallas. St. Louis is considered more walkable than Dallas, with a score of 66 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Dallas. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, St. Louis is considered more bike-friendly than Dallas in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. St. Louis has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, while Dallas is rated as 49 out of 100.
- The crime rate in St. Louis is higher than in Dallas, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 69.65 in St. Louis, it is 51.4 in Dallas. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in St. Louis. With a crime index of 30.35, St. Louis ranks lower in overall safety than Dallas, whose index is Dallas's 48.6. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in St. Louis isnโt as good as it is in Dallas, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. St. Louis has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Dallas is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Dallas vs. St. Louis move
- Weather: St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Missouri, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Missouri doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to St. Louis without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in St. Louis
With your sights set on "Chess Capital of the World ", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in St. Louis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central West End
- Downtown
- Lafayette Square
- Shaw
- Soulard
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hi-Pointe
- The Hill
- Lindenwood Park
- Shaw
- Skinker DeBaliviere
Things to do in St. Louis
After settling into your new Missouri home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, St. Louis has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: St. Louis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the City Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, The Magic House, Saint Louis Science Center, and Missouri History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and Lone Elk Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis City SC (MLS), or St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dallas to St. Louis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Dallas to St. Louis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Dallas are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to St. Louis?
With many people choosing to move from Dallas to St. Louis in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Dallas to St. Louis take?
Moving from Dallas, TX to St. Louis, MO covers 629 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Dallas movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Louis.