San Francisco vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in San Francisco feels like approximately $22,038 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in San Francisco feels like $22,038 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 69%.
San Francisco
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in San Francisco, your picture shifts from tight toward tight.
No city is objectively better. San Francisco and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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San Francisco vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in San Francisco or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,977/mo in San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in San Francisco feels like approximately $22,038 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 69% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between San Francisco and St. Louis?
San Francisco 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.