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San Francisco vs St. Louis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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St. Louis is 61% cheaper than San Francisco overall.San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 vs St. Louis at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Francisco costs 82% more.

Pierre
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San Francisco
CA
225
COLI index
VS
St. Louis
MO
88
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan FranciscoSt. LouisDifference
Overall COLI22588-61%
Housing43580-82%
Groceries119101-15%
Transport118100-15%
Healthcare108102-6%
Utilities125107-14%

Median 1BR Rent

San Francisco
$3,200/mo
St. Louis
$1,050/mo

Median Home Price

San Francisco
$1,290,000
St. Louis
$205,000

Median Household Income

San Francisco
$136,689
St. Louis
$48,438

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Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis is cheaper to live in overall. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 while St. Louis has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. St. Louis is 61% cheaper than San Francisco overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,200 per month compared to $1,050 in St. Louis. The median home price in San Francisco is $1,290,000 versus $205,000 in St. Louis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 and St. Louis has an index of 88, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in San Francisco, multiply by 0.39. For example a $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $29,333 in St. Louis.

San Francisco has a median household income of $136,689 per year versus $48,438 in St. Louis. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from San Francisco to St. Louis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. St. Louis is 61% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.