Is St. Louis or Los Angeles more affordable?
St. Louis has a median rent of $950/month, while Los Angeles is $1,852/month. St. Louis is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
St. Louis, MO vs Los Angeles, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between St. Louis and Los Angeles.
3
St. Louis wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Los Angeles wins
MO
St. Louis
vs
CA
Los Angeles
Overview
293,310
Population
3,898,747
$42,000
Median Income
+64.6%$69,144✓
Cost of Living
$950✓
Median Rent / mo
+94.9%$1,852
$165,000✓
Median Home Price
+354.5%$750,000
27%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
4.70%✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
8.68%
Local Tax Rate
9.50%
Climate & Weather
64°F
Avg High Temp
75°F
44°F
Avg Low Temp
58°F
205 days
Sunny Days / Year
284 days✓
40"
Annual Rainfall
15"
Who should choose
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a city in Missouri with a population of 293,310.
Read full St. Louis guide →Who should choose
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city in California with a population of 3,898,747.
Read full Los Angeles guide →St. Louis vs Los Angeles — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — St. Louis or Los Angeles?
Missouri has a 4.70% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. St. Louis wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between St. Louis and Los Angeles?
St. Louis gets 205 sunny days/year. Los Angeles gets 284 sunny days/year. Avg high in St. Louis: 64°F. Avg high in Los Angeles: 75°F
Which city is better for families — St. Louis or Los Angeles?
St. Louis. Los Angeles. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.