Los Angeles vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Los Angeles feels like approximately $31,466 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Los Angeles feels like $31,466 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 55%.
Los Angeles
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Los Angeles, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.
No city is objectively better. Los Angeles and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Los Angeles vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Los Angeles or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,085/mo in Los Angeles and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Los Angeles?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Los Angeles feels like approximately $31,466 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 55% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Los Angeles and St. Louis?
Los Angeles is in CA (CA levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.