Moving from Cleveland, OH to St. Louis, MO
Relocating 559 mi from Cleveland to St. Louis is a 10h 29m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
559 mi Β· 10h 29m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 71, I 670 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.923 vs 95.088 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 43.9" |
Expect 5.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.03 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.2% β $39,187 β $55,279 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is St. Louis, MO from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 559 mi and the route typically takes 10h 29m via I 70 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 559 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 41.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 1.2% higher than Cleveland (95.088 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· St. Louis, MO.