Moving from San Jose to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 189 for San Jose (100 = US average). You'd pay about 54% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your San Jose lifestyle
Based on the 54% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Jose | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $18,413 |
| $50K | $23,016 |
| $60K | $27,619 |
| $75K | $34,524 |
| $80K | $36,825 |
| $100K | $46,032 |
| $120K | $55,238 |
| $150K | $69,048 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Jose vs St. Louis
| Expense | San Jose | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $437 | $369 |
| Transport | $100 | $75 |
| Utilities | $150 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $402 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than San Jose?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 189 for San Jose (100 = US average). That's about 54% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Jose to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Jose to St. Louis could save roughly $1,791/month on core expenses. That's ~$21,492/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my San Jose lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Jose, you'd need roughly $34,524/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