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

Irvine

California
256
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Irvine is 288% more expensive than St. Louis.

$2,893/mo ↑ 196%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 66%
$129,647/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 57%
$1,115,400 ↑ 503%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 83%
$2,904/mo ↑ 187%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 65%
308,160
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,915/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $22,980/year.

Median household income is $74,368/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and St. Louis?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $1,915/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or St. Louis?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $74,368/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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.
View Irvine details → View St. Louis details →

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