Quick answer
Overall prices in the Los Angeles, CA metro were 113.6 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so Los Angeles is 19.4% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 116% (170.4 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in Los Angeles buys about what $62,797 buys in St. Louis, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Los Angeles | St. Louis | Los Angeles vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 113.6 | 95.1 | +19.4% |
| Goods | 106.6 | 100.0 | +6.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 170.4 | 79.0 | +115.7% |
| Utilities | 158.6 | 69.9 | +126.8% |
| Other services | 104.4 | 98.6 | +5.8% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.3 | 91.0 | +24.5% |
| $50,000 in Los Angeles equals in St. Louis | $41,865 | ||
| $100,000 in Los Angeles equals in St. Louis | $83,729 | ||
| $150,000 in Los Angeles equals in St. Louis | $125,594 |
Related
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.