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Cost of Living in St. Louis County

Is it better to rent or buy in St. Louis County? 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.

$74,374
$1,190/mo

Median in area: $1,190

$237,950

Median in area: $237,950

$47,590

If you Rent

🔑
$1,397 /mo
Base Rent$1,190
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income22.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,801

If you Buy

🏠
$1,747 /mo
P&I (7.162%)$1,287
Taxes & Ins$253
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income28.2%
Pre-tax Residual$4,451

Compare Nearby Areas

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

countyDouglas County, WI
$968/mo
countyCarlton County, MN
$1,002/mo
countyKoochiching County, MN
$675/mo
countyItasca County, MN
$983/mo
countyLake County, MN
$1,045/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in St. Louis County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,397, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,747 per month (a difference of $350).

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

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in St. Louis County is approximately $207. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in St. Louis County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $55,880 per year.