Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 95.1 in St. Louis, MO in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 21.6% more expensive than St. Louis; housing rents differ by 146% (194.7 vs 79.0). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $61,685 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 Francisco | St. Louis | San Francisco vs St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 95.1 | +21.6% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 100.0 | +8.5% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 79.0 | +146.4% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 69.9 | +146.8% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 98.6 | +7.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 91.0 | +30.8% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in St. Louis | $41,123 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in St. Louis | $82,247 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in St. Louis | $123,370 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.