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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Hayward

California
200

St. Louis is 67% cheaper than Hayward.

$978/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 141%
$55,279/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 106%
$185,100 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 343%
$1,013/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 139%
293,109
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,382/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $16,584/year.

Median household income is $58,496/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Hayward — common questions

Is St. Louis or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Hayward?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,382/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Hayward?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $58,496/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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