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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

St. Louis is 63% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$978/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 117%
$55,279/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 90%
$185,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 277%
$1,013/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 131%
293,109
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,144/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $13,728/year.

Median household income is $49,894/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is St. Louis or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Chula Vista?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $1,144/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $49,894/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and California?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Chula Vista details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Chula Vista

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 Chula Vista vs. Madison Chula Vista vs. Gilbert Chula Vista vs. Buffalo Chula Vista vs. North Las Vegas Chula Vista vs. Chandler Chula Vista vs. Reno