St. Louis, MO vs Pasadena, CA: 66 vs 220

$978/mo ↓ 56%

Median Rent

$2,218/mo ↑ 127%

$55,279/yr ↓ 47%

Median Income

$103,778/yr ↑ 88%

$185,100 ↓ 82%

Home Value

$1,045,000 ↑ 465%

$1,013/mo ↓ 57%

Owner Costs

$2,340/mo ↑ 131%

293,109

Population

136,462

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,240/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $14,880/year.

Median household income is $48,499/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Pasadena — common questions

Is St. Louis or Pasadena cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 220 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Pasadena?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,240/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Pasadena?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $48,499/year higher in Pasadena.

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 Pasadena?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

St. Louis

Pasadena

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Affordability

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