Cost of Living in St. Louis, MO
Population 293,109 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of St. Louis's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $55,279 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
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 $185,100 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $978/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,279/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, St. Louis has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in St. Louis, MO?
The median gross rent in St. Louis is $978 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Louis?
The median home value in St. Louis is $185,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Louis?
The median household income in St. Louis is $55,279 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Louis, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Louis is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is St. Louis, MO affordable?
Yes, St. Louis is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
St. Louis at a Glance
- Population
- 293,109
- Median Income
- $55,279
- Home Value
- $185,100
- Median Rent
- $978/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
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Missouri Rankings
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