Los Angeles vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 50% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Los Angeles and St. Louis presents a stark contrast in overall cost of living. Los Angeles is substantially more expensive across the board, driven primarily by its housing market, which is dramatically higher than the national average. St. Louis, in contrast, offers a cost of living well below the national average, making it a much more budget-friendly option for residents. This fundamental difference impacts nearly every aspect of daily expenses.
Housing
The housing market shows the most significant disparity. Median home prices in Los Angeles are considerably higher, and even renting a modest apartment costs substantially more than in St. Louis. St. Louis offers much more affordable housing, with both home prices and rental rates being a fraction of those in Los Angeles. Housing stock in Los Angeles often features dense urban living, while St. Louis offers a mix of historic homes and more spacious properties.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably higher in Los Angeles. Commute times are also longer there. St. Louis offers more affordable rates for these necessities, contributing to a lower daily spending burden. Additionally, California's state income tax is considerably higher than Missouri's, further impacting take-home pay for residents in Los Angeles compared to St. Louis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer different lifestyles. Los Angeles boasts a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, while St. Louis experiences all four seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Getting around Los Angeles often involves extensive driving and traffic, though public transit exists. St. Louis has a more manageable traffic flow and a more compact urban core. The pace of life can feel faster and more densely populated in Los Angeles.
Bottom line
A move from Los Angeles to St. Louis would result in substantial savings across nearly all budget categories, particularly housing. Conversely, moving to Los Angeles means preparing for a significantly higher cost of living, where even everyday necessities are more expensive. The decision hinges on prioritizing lifestyle preferences against the dramatic financial implications, with St. Louis offering a much more accessible entry point for homeownership and daily expenses.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 175 | 88 |
| Housing index | 201 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 129 | 95 |
| Food index | 112 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 128 | 95 |
| Misc index | 118 | 88 |
| Median home price | $795,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,400/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.