Cost of Living in St. Louis, MI

Population 6,926 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $46,096, median household incomes in St. Louis land roughly 38% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators.

Geographically, St. Louis is about 50 miles north of Lansing, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Lansing's $119,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in St. Louis

The median home value in St. Louis is $115,700 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $865/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,096/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, St. Louis has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$115,700
62% below avg
Median Rent
$865/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.5%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$707
1 BR
$780
2 BR
$962
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,444
Owner-occupied 68.6%
Renter-occupied 31.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$865
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,479/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.8 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.2%
Carpooled
4.0%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
4.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.5%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$46,096
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$13,169
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
3% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Labor Force Participation
21.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.1%
Graduate degree 2.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.8
Male median age 39.4
Female median age 35.7

Frequently Asked Questions

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

St. Louis has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in St. Louis, MI?

The median gross rent in St. Louis is $865 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in St. Louis?

The median home value in St. Louis is $115,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in St. Louis?

The median household income in St. Louis is $46,096 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in St. Louis, MI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Louis is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is St. Louis, MI affordable?

Yes, St. Louis is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

St. Louis at a Glance

Population
6,926
Median Income
$46,096
Home Value
$115,700
Median Rent
$865/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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