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

Riverside

California
144
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Riverside is 118% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,812/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 46%
$88,575/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 38%
$542,100 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 66%
$1,880/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 46%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $834/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $10,008/year.

Median household income is $33,296/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and St. Louis?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $834/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or St. Louis?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $33,296/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View St. Louis details →

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