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Cost of Living in St. Louis City

Is it better to rent or buy in St. Louis City? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$58,899
$1,024/mo

Median in area: $1,024

$212,030

Median in area: $212,030

$42,406

If you Rent

🔑
$1,213 /mo
Base Rent$1,024
Est. Utilities$189
% of Income24.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,695

If you Buy

🏠
$1,595 /mo
P&I (7.151%)$1,146
Taxes & Ins$260
Est. Utilities$189
% of Income32.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,313

Compare Nearby Areas

See how St. Louis City stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyMadison County, IL
$1,074/mo
countySt. Clair County, IL
$1,162/mo
countySt. Louis County, MO
$1,356/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in St. Louis City?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in St. Louis City. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,213, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,595 per month (a difference of $382).

How much do utilities cost in St. Louis City?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in St. Louis City is approximately $189. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in St. Louis City?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in St. Louis City without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $48,520 per year.