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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Downey

California
169

St. Louis is 61% cheaper than Downey.

$978/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 93%
$55,279/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 58%
$185,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 294%
$1,013/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 97%
293,109
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $914/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $10,968/year.

Median household income is $32,121/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Downey — common questions

Is St. Louis or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Downey?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $914/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Downey?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $32,121/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Downey details →

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