Moving from San Francisco to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 55% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 55% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $17,938 |
| $50K | $22,423 |
| $60K | $26,907 |
| $75K | $33,634 |
| $80K | $35,876 |
| $100K | $44,845 |
| $120K | $53,814 |
| $150K | $67,268 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs St. Louis
| Expense | San Francisco | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $448 | $369 |
| Transport | $100 | $75 |
| Utilities | $160 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 55% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to St. Louis could save roughly $2,412/month on core expenses. That's ~$28,944/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $33,634/year in St. Louis. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only