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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

St. Louis is 61% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$978/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 123%
$55,279/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 121%
$185,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 226%
$1,013/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 120%
293,109
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,202/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $14,424/year.

Median household income is $66,950/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is St. Louis or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Elk Grove?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,202/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $66,950/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Elk Grove

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 Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem