Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 17.7% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 127% (179.3 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $63,739 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) | San Diego | St. Louis | San Diego vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 95.1 | +17.7% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 100.0 | +8.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 79.0 | +126.9% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 69.9 | +149.2% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 98.6 | +1.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 91.0 | +25.0% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in St. Louis | $42,493 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in St. Louis | $84,986 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in St. Louis | $127,479 |
Related
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs San Jose, CA (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.