Fresno, CA vs St. Louis, MO: 101 vs 66

$1,324/mo ↑ 35%

Median Rent

$978/mo ↓ 26%

$66,804/yr ↑ 21%

Median Income

$55,279/yr ↓ 17%

$348,500 ↑ 88%

Home Value

$185,100 ↓ 47%

$1,391/mo ↑ 37%

Owner Costs

$1,013/mo ↓ 27%

543,615

Population

293,109

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $11,525/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Fresno or St. Louis cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 101 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fresno and St. Louis?

Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $346/month.

Which city has higher income, Fresno or St. Louis?

Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $11,525/year higher in Fresno.

How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Fresno or St. Louis?

It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Fresno

St. Louis

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons