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

Oakland

California
195
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Oakland is 195% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,917/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 49%
$97,369/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 43%
$924,700 ↑ 400%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 80%
$2,164/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 53%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $939/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $11,268/year.

Median household income is $42,090/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and St. Louis?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $939/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or St. Louis?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $42,090/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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More Comparisons

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