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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Sacramento is 100% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,694/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 42%
$83,753/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 34%
$484,600 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 62%
$1,752/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 42%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $28,474/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and St. Louis?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or St. Louis?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $28,474/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View St. Louis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and St. Louis

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage