Skyline of St. Louis
Cost of Living: 95 301,000

St. Louis, MO, US

Gateway to the West with the Arch, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 98

Affordable

Median Income $55,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.5%

Job market health

St. Louis vs US Average

Cost of Living
St. Louis: 95
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
St. Louis: 98
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
St. Louis: 4%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.0%
  • Sales Tax: 8.5%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $55,000
  • Unemployment: 4.5%
  • Population: 301,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 26°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $220,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1100/mo

Cost of Living

St. Louis's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).

CategorySt. LouisNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing98100-2.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$220,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft$146

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in St. Louis:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$6Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$262Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown St. Louis

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,320/mo.

St. Louis Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,210/mo.

East St. Louis

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $990/mo.

West St. Louis

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,045/mo.

Remote Work Score

St. Louis scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
$1100
Sunny Days
200
Tax
4%
Unemployment
4.5%
Climate
88°F / 26°F

Climate

St. Louis has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January46°F26°F2.5"
April73°F41°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F44°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4%
  • Sales Tax: 8.5%
  • Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Louis, MO, US?

The cost of living index in St. Louis is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in St. Louis?

The median home price in St. Louis is $220,000. The housing index is 98.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in St. Louis is approximately $1100/mo.

Does St. Louis, MO have income tax?

St. Louis is in MO, which has an income tax rate of 4%.

What is the climate like in St. Louis?

St. Louis enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.