St. Louis, MO vs Santa Maria, CA: 66 vs 137

$978/mo ↓ 47%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 88%

$55,279/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 53%

$185,100 ↓ 61%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 158%

$1,013/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 77%

293,109

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $29,338/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is St. Louis or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Santa Maria?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $864/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $29,338/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

St. Louis

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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