Detroit vs St. Louis: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
St. Louis is 8% more expensive than Detroit. Detroit is 29% safer. St. Louis has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Detroit population: 649,095. St. Louis population: 278,144.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Detroit vs St. Louis
Detroit is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 85 vs 92 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 7 index points.
| Category | Detroit | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 85 | 92 |
| Housing | $1,335/moIndex: 75 | $1,691/moIndex: 95 |
| Groceries | $402/moIndex: 98 | $398/moIndex: 97 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Detroit vs St. Louis
Detroit is 29% safer overall, with a crime rate of 55 per 1,000 residents vs St. Louis's 77. Detroit earns a F safety grade compared to St. Louis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Detroit
Michigan
St. Louis
Missouri
| Metric | Detroit | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 55/1K | 77/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1900.0 | 1900.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3600.0 | 5800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 26.3 | 26.2 |
| Assault Rate | 1355.2 | 1314.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 316.4 | 351.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 534.9 | 739.0 |
| Theft Rate | 2903.9 | 4555.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 387.8 | 752.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Detroit, you have a 1 in 18 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 13 in St. Louis.
Climate: Detroit vs St. Louis
Detroit Climate Overview
St. Louis Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Detroit | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 59.1°F | 66.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 41.4°F | 48.4°F |
| Annual Rain | 33.7" | 39.2" |
| Annual Snow | 40.8" | 16.1" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 4 | 3 |
St. Louis is 6°F warmer in summer than Detroit, but Detroit is 5°F colder in winter than St. Louis. Detroit gets significantly more snow (41" vs 16"). St. Louis is wetter with 39" of annual rain compared to 34". St. Louis has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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