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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Temecula

California
179

St. Louis is 63% cheaper than Temecula.

$978/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 135%
$55,279/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 113%
$185,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 246%
$1,013/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 140%
293,109
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,319/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $15,828/year.

Median household income is $62,561/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Temecula — common questions

Is St. Louis or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Temecula?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,319/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Temecula?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $62,561/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Temecula details →

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