St. Louis, MO vs Santa Rosa, CA: 66 vs 172

$978/mo ↓ 53%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 113%

$55,279/yr ↓ 43%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 76%

$185,100 ↓ 73%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 270%

$1,013/mo ↓ 52%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 110%

293,109

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,106/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $13,272/year.

Median household income is $42,131/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Santa Rosa — common questions

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

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

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

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,106/month.

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

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $42,131/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

St. Louis

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons