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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Orange

California
206

St. Louis is 68% cheaper than Orange.

$978/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 130%
$55,279/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 112%
$185,100 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 387%
$1,013/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 136%
293,109
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,274/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $15,288/year.

Median household income is $61,666/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Orange — common questions

Is St. Louis or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Orange?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,274/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Orange?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $61,666/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Orange

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 Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City