Cost of Living in St. Louis city, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Louis city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Louis city ranks #3,112 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Louis city, Missouri
St. Louis City's affordability crisis
St. Louis City renters dedicate 21.2% of income to housing—far exceeding both the national norm and Missouri's 15.6% state average. With $978 monthly rents and a median household income of just $55,279, residents here face the sharpest affordability squeeze among peer counties.
Least affordable county in Missouri
St. Louis City ranks at the bottom of Missouri counties for housing affordability, with a 21.2% rent-to-income ratio that far surpasses the state average. This disparity reflects decades of disinvestment, population loss, and concentrated poverty affecting the city's housing market.
City premium vs. suburban escape
St. Louis City's $978 rent exceeds St. Louis County ($1,164) in absolute terms but devours a far larger income share (21.2% vs. 17.2%) due to lower wages. Nearby suburbs like St. Charles offer better rent-to-income ratios despite similar absolute costs, explaining population outflows.
Housing overshadows other needs
A St. Louis City household earning $55,279 annually ($4,607/month) dedicates $978 to rent or $1,093 to mortgage, consuming 21-24% of gross income. This leaves only $3,500 monthly for all other expenses—a burden that forces difficult trade-offs in healthcare, food, and savings.
Reconsider St. Louis unless income supports it
St. Louis City offers urban amenities and cultural richness but carries the state's worst housing affordability for typical earners, consuming over one-fifth of income. If you earn less than $80,000 annually, explore St. Louis County suburbs or outlying counties for dramatically better cost-of-living ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Louis city
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Louis city, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $978/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. Louis city is $978/month, while owner costs run $1,093/month. Renting saves approximately $115/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,843/year. With a median household income of $55,279, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in St. Louis city are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Taney County where rent averages $925/month, St. Louis city is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Louis city
Rent Burden
21.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,290
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.7%
of gross income
The median home in St. Louis city may be a stretch
Median home value is $185,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,478 vs. your max of $1,290.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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