St. Louis, MO Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for St. Louis, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

298,018
Population
$52,941
Median household income
-27% vs tracked median
$174,100
Median home value
-47% vs tracked median
$938/mo
Median rent
-33% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

St. Louis, Missouri is home to roughly 298,018 residents. The typical household earns $52,941 per year — below the median across cities we track (-27%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $174,100 (below the multi-city median at -47%), while renters pay a median of $938 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in St. Louis

Median home value is $174,100 and median gross rent is $938/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for St. Louis.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to St. Louis

Planning a move to St. Louis? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in St. Louis, MO?
In St. Louis, the median home value is $174,100 and median rent is $938 per month, against a median household income of $52,941. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in St. Louis?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $938/month, that implies an income of about $37,520 to keep housing affordable in St. Louis.
Is it better to rent or buy in St. Louis?
With a median home value of $174,100 and median rent of $938/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in St. Louis depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare St. Louis to similar cities