Cost of Living in St. Louis County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Louis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Louis County ranks #2,789 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Louis County, Missouri
St. Louis County balances suburban prosperity
St. Louis County renters spend 17.2% of income on housing, slightly above Missouri's 15.6% average but below many comparable suburban counties nationwide. The county's $81,340 median household income—9% above the national average—manages higher rents ($1,164/month) with relative ease.
Upper-tier affordability among suburbs
St. Louis County ranks in the better half of Missouri counties, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that reflects higher incomes offsetting premium suburban housing costs. This positions it as more affordable than St. Louis City but less accessible than rural peer counties.
Suburban premium with suburban earnings
St. Louis County rents ($1,164/month) exceed rural peers like Shelby and Stoddard by $400+, yet household incomes here average $81,340—the second-highest in the peer group. This wage premium justifies higher absolute costs while maintaining reasonable affordability ratios.
Balanced suburban budget allocation
A St. Louis County household earning $81,340 annually ($6,778/month) dedicates $1,164 to rent or $1,320 to mortgage, consuming 17-19% of gross income. This leaves approximately $5,500 monthly for discretionary spending, supporting a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
St. Louis County for suburban balance
St. Louis County appeals to households earning $75,000+ seeking suburban amenities with better affordability than St. Louis City and more services than rural alternatives. If you're earning a solid middle-class income, this county's combination of access, schools, and manageable housing costs rewards relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Louis County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in St. Louis County is affordable. The median rent is $1,164/month against a median household income of $81,340, putting rent at 17.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in St. Louis County pay $1,164/month on average, compared to $1,320/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,571/year. With a median household income of $81,340, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in St. Louis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, St. Louis County is less affordable than Clay County by roughly 5% ($1,164/mo vs $1,220/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Louis County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,898
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.5%
of gross income
The median home in St. Louis County may be a stretch
Median home value is $260,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,081 vs. your max of $1,898.
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
What is the cost of living in St. Louis County, Missouri?
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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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