Memphis vs St. Louis: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
St. Louis is 8% more expensive than Memphis. Memphis is 4% safer. St. Louis has more comfortable months (6 vs 4). Memphis population: 609,647. 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: Memphis vs St. Louis
Memphis 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 | Memphis | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 85 | 92 |
| Housing | $1,388/moIndex: 78 | $1,691/moIndex: 95 |
| Groceries | $390/moIndex: 95 | $398/moIndex: 97 |
| Transportation | $343/moIndex: 98 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $314/moIndex: 98 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $202/moIndex: 92 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Memphis vs St. Louis
Memphis is 4% safer overall, with a crime rate of 74 per 1,000 residents vs St. Louis's 77. Memphis earns a F safety grade compared to St. Louis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Memphis
Tennessee
St. Louis
Missouri
| Metric | Memphis | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 74/1K | 77/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1900.0 | 1900.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5500.0 | 5800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 27.9 | 26.2 |
| Assault Rate | 1402.4 | 1314.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 312.8 | 351.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 763.2 | 739.0 |
| Theft Rate | 4760.5 | 4555.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 1296.8 | 752.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Memphis, you have a 1 in 14 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 13 in St. Louis.
Climate: Memphis vs St. Louis
Memphis Climate Overview
St. Louis Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Memphis | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 72.5°F | 66.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 53.4°F | 48.4°F |
| Annual Rain | 52.1" | 39.2" |
| Annual Snow | 3.0" | 16.1" |
| Comfortable Months | 4 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 1 | 3 |
Memphis is 3°F warmer in summer than St. Louis, but St. Louis is 7°F colder in winter than Memphis. St. Louis gets significantly more snow (16" vs 3"). Memphis is wetter with 52" of annual rain compared to 39". St. Louis has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 4).
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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