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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

San Francisco is 305% more expensive than St. Louis.

$2,419/mo ↑ 147%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 60%
$141,446/yr ↑ 156%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 61%
$1,380,500 ↑ 646%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 87%
$2,620/mo ↑ 159%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 61%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,441/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $17,292/year.

Median household income is $86,167/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs St. Louis — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and St. Louis?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $1,441/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or St. Louis?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $86,167/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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