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

Stockton

California
115
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Stockton is 74% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,495/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 35%
$76,851/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 28%
$412,900 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 55%
$1,555/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 35%
320,470
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $21,572/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Stockton or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and St. Louis?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or St. Louis?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $21,572/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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