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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Lancaster

California
124

St. Louis is 47% cheaper than Lancaster.

$978/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 73%
$55,279/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 38%
$185,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 121%
$1,013/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 72%
293,109
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $20,804/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Lancaster — common questions

Is St. Louis or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Lancaster?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Lancaster?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $20,804/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Lancaster details →

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