Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth most populous city in the United States, is known for its warm desert climate, ample job opportunities, and rich Native American history. On the other hand, St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a diverse cultural heritage, a wide range of industries, and a strong sports community characterized by its dedicated fans. It is also home to some of the nation's best universities and hospitals. While Phoenix may appeal to those who enjoy sunshine and outdoor activities, St. Louis will attract those who appreciate history, culture, and sports.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
St. Louis, MO : 1,265.6 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 454%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of St. Louis has decreased by 54,879 people (15.8%) during that time.
In terms of safety, it's important to note that both cities have areas safer than others, like any other major city. Based on FBI crime rates, St. Louis has a higher rate of violent crime than Phoenix. However, Phoenix's property crime rate is higher than the national average. Safety measures should be taken regardless of living in or visiting either city.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 2,528 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in St. Louis is 123 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Phoenix than in St. Louis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Phoenix is generally lower than in St. Louis. Factors such as housing, groceries, and health care are less expensive in Phoenix. However, St. Louis offers a higher median salary which can offset the higher cost of living for some residents.
Income Tax
Missouri has an income tax that ranges from 1.5% to 5.9% depending on income level. Arizona’s income tax rates range from 2.59% to 4.5%.
Property Tax
Phoenix homeowners pay a median of $1,346 in property taxes annually, lower than the $1,507 median in St. Louis. However, home values are typically higher in Phoenix.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Phoenix is 8.6%, which is higher than the 8.5% sales tax in St. Louis. There's also a 5.6% state sales tax in Arizona, while Missouri's state sale tax is 4.225%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$49,965
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$33,810
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
96.5
If you make $50,000 in St. Louis, you will have to make $52,435 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geography for these cities is quite different. Phoenix is in the Sonoran Desert, marked by cacti and hot temperatures, while St. Louis sits along the Mississippi River with plenty of greenery, rolling hills, and distinct seasons.
St. Louis is home to several highly reputable universities, including Washington University and Saint Louis University. Phoenix is home to Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities in the U.S. Both cities have public and charter school options for K-12 education.
Phoenix holds a strong economy with sectors ranging from manufacturing to finance, but health care and retail are the top industries. St. Louis also hosts a diverse economy with health care, academia, and manufacturing being key sectors. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Phoenix include Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. Some of the biggest employers in St. Louis are BJC HealthCare, Walmart, and Boeing.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 146 building permits issued in St. Louis in 2012 (105 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In St. Louis (St. Louis city), 82.4% voted for Democrats and 15.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
2020
50.2%
82.4%
48.0%
16.1%
1.8%
1.6%
2016
44.9%
79.0%
47.7%
15.8%
7.5%
5.2%
2012
43.6%
82.4%
54.3%
15.9%
2.1%
1.6%
2008
44.0%
83.8%
54.5%
15.5%
1.5%
0.7%
2004
42.4%
80.4%
57.0%
19.2%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
43.0%
77.5%
53.4%
19.9%
3.6%
2.6%
1996
44.5%
74.8%
47.2%
18.1%
8.2%
7.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
15.4%
4.3%
9.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
2.5%
6.5%
9.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.2%
2.0%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
2.2%
1.5%
6.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
0.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.3%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.8%
0.6%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
1.1%
1.0%
2.4%
Weather
Phoenix boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year and has a hot desert climate. Summertime temperatures often exceed 100°F, but winters are mild and pleasant. St. Louis, however, experiences all four seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The city also sees a higher amount of rainfall than Phoenix.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
56.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
39 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
37.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
16.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
62.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
30%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
71%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
41%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
9.8 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in St. Louis, Missouri
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
Phoenix
St. Louis
2018
156
101
0.38
0.26
15.2
10.7
28.5
27.5
N/A
N/A
34.8
19.7
8.6
9.8
0.6
0.8
2017
120
90
0.41
0.25
15.9
10.4
28.6
28.5
N/A
N/A
34.9
16.2
7.6
8.0
1.4
1.4
2016
114
96
0.44
0.29
15.8
11.1
27.3
25.8
N/A
N/A
30.6
15.5
7.7
8.5
0.4
1.2
2015
102
97
0.46
0.28
17.6
11.8
27.1
22.2
N/A
N/A
26.2
16.6
7.9
10.5
0.9
1.6
2014
117
97
0.46
0.27
19.6
12.2
27.6
25.5
N/A
N/A
37.0
17.8
8.5
10.5
1.1
1.8
2013
130
92
0.43
0.27
19.9
12.2
27.9
26.2
N/A
N/A
35.3
16.3
8.4
10.6
0.9
2.1
2012
157
114
0.44
0.27
21.2
14.4
28.1
27.9
N/A
N/A
41.9
17.5
8.8
10.2
1.3
2.3
2011
203
107
0.47
0.27
20.0
13.2
28.3
27.0
N/A
N/A
41.3
17.3
9.6
12.4
0.9
2.7
2010
100
110
0.48
0.31
19.9
12.8
26.9
23.1
N/A
N/A
31.2
16.2
8.3
12.9
0.9
3.3
2009
108
101
0.52
0.31
20.1
12.5
25.6
22.2
0.039
N/A
38.2
21.6
N/A
12.4
1.8
2.8
2008
106
98
0.48
0.32
21.4
12.9
26.6
22.9
0.054
N/A
39.6
32.4
N/A
12.8
2.4
2.6
2007
129
125
0.54
0.37
23.5
14.1
25.2
24.3
0.055
N/A
47.6
38.8
N/A
14.6
2.4
2.9
2006
131
109
0.66
0.38
25.3
15.2
24.4
23.3
0.044
N/A
50.8
38.2
N/A
14.7
2.3
3.1
2005
109
110
0.74
0.39
25.9
16.3
22.2
24.4
0.056
N/A
44.6
41.4
N/A
N/A
2.5
4.1
2004
98
92
0.77
0.49
25.5
20.0
23.4
19.6
0.013
N/A
32.8
38.3
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.7
2003
101
106
0.90
0.49
26.8
19.6
23.7
21.7
0.044
N/A
42.6
37.8
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.7
2002
111
117
0.98
0.56
28.7
21.7
23.6
21.1
0.022
N/A
41.8
45.4
N/A
N/A
1.6
4.4
2001
106
100
1.00
0.57
28.6
22.4
22.3
20.4
0.057
N/A
37.8
46.6
N/A
N/A
1.5
5.0
2000
117
98
1.14
0.78
29.9
23.8
24.6
20.6
0.057
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
5.5
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
182.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
413.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
0%
Transportation
Both Phoenix and St. Louis provide public transportation options, but Phoenix is more reliant on cars due to its spread out geography. Light rail and buses are available in Phoenix, while St. Louis offers buses, light rail, and even a Metrolink train system.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Bicycle
0.4%
0.5%
Bus
1.8%
3.7%
Carpooled
12.2%
7.5%
Car alone
81.8%
83.9%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Average
28.6 min
29.4 min
Other means
26.4 min
22.9 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
42.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
91.6%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
6.5%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.7%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real-estate prices in Phoenix are generally lower than in St. Louis. However, the real estate market in both cities is competitive and still growing.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix has diverse neighborhoods with a mix of historic and new developments. Central Phoenix, known as CenPho, is famous for its arts and food scene, while Ahwatukee Foothills has a suburban feel. St. Louis neighborhoods are also diverse, with vibrant areas like The Central West End known for its boutiques and eateries.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
Houses
644,625
173,493
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.2
Median year apartment built
1987
1943
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
14.2 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
139,736 (80.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
63,653 (45.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
76,083 (54.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$923.98
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$56,913
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$170,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$196,007
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$166,673
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$155,363
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$260,843
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$35,054
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$272,667
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$200,041
Median house age
36
2,021
Renting percentage
42.4%
54.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
2,801.7
House value disparities
30.8%
38.7%
Household income disparities
43.9%
48.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$87,762
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$55,824
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,236 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
2,537 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
41,018 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
188 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
3,349 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
9.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
5.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
St. Louis
One, detached
60.3%
43.2%
One, attached
4.9%
4.1%
Two
1.4%
14.2%
3 or 4
4.4%
13.5%
5 to 9
5.0%
4.9%
10 to 19
5.3%
2.2%
20 to 49
4.1%
3.8%
50 or more
11.3%
13.5%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.5%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
8,126
State government workers
30,385
2,962
Unpaid family workers
1,048
315
Industries and Occupations
In Phoenix, the largest sectors are health care, retail, and finance. In St. Louis, the dominating industries are health care, manufacturing, and education.
Healthcare in both cities is excellent with each hosting leading medical centers and hospitals. Phoenix's Mayo Clinic and St. Louis's Barnes-Jewish Hospital are nationally ranked in multiple specialties.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
St. Louis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix has a modernized infrastructure including a light rail system, a bus system, and an extensive highway system. St. Louis also offers public transit options and a strong highway system, plus a large port on the Mississippi River used for cargo and trade.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
St. Louis
1999
5,846
0
2000
4,847
0
2001
3,823
0
2002
3,472
0
2003
5,750
1,583
2004
9,848
2,101
2005
15,879
2,853
2006
18,392
3,391
2007
9,797
2,022
2008
3,130
841
2009
1,614
247
Culture and Food
Phoenix's culture showcases its vibrant Southwest heritage, with plenty of Mexican influence in its culinary scene. St. Louis has a rich culture, heavily influenced by its French and German heritage, reflected in its food, music, and annual cultural events.
Sports Teams
Phoenix sports fans have multiple professional teams to follow including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). St. Louis has the Cardinals (MLB) and the Blues (NHL) with devoted fan bases.
Phoenix, AZ
St. Louis, MO
Phoenix, AZ and 
St. Louis, MO : 1,265.6 miles
