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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Los Angeles is 183% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,879/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 48%
$80,366/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 31%
$879,500 ↑ 375%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 79%
$2,055/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 51%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $901/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $10,812/year.

Median household income is $25,087/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and St. Louis?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $901/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or St. Louis?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $25,087/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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