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

San Jose

California
254
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

San Jose is 285% more expensive than St. Louis.

$2,617/mo ↑ 168%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 63%
$141,565/yr ↑ 156%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 61%
$1,187,800 ↑ 542%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 84%
$2,775/mo ↑ 174%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 63%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,639/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $19,668/year.

Median household income is $86,286/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs St. Louis — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and St. Louis?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $1,639/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or St. Louis?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $86,286/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View St. Louis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and St. Louis

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth 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