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St. Louis, Missouri

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

48
Overall Score

St. Louis, Missouri, a city rich in history and culture, is situated along the western bank of the Mississippi River. Known as the 'Gateway to the West,' it is famously home to the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing its historical role in westward expansion. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and numerous free attractions, making it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike. Despite a declining city population, the broader St. Louis metropolitan area has experienced growth, driven partly by international immigration. People are drawn to St. Louis for its unique blend of urban amenities, historic charm, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other major U.S. cities.

About Missouri

Missouri, known as the "Show-Me State," offers a diverse landscape from the Ozark Mountains to the Missouri River, characterized by a continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters, experiencing all four seasons. Its economy is highly diversified, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing (especially transportation equipment and food processing), financial services, and a growing presence in high-tech fields like agtech and cybersecurity. Living in Missouri is generally affordable, consistently ranking among the states with the lowest cost of living, with housing costs significantly below the national average. The lifestyle offers a blend of urban amenities in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, known for their arts, music, and professional sports, alongside abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

273,179
Population
$45K
Avg Salary
89
Cost Index
47.9
Quality Score
How this 48/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 30 / 100 30.0 30% 9.0
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 89.0 57.5 25% 14.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $56,160 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 4% 51.3 20% 10.3
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.5% 50.0 15% 7.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 47.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=84), last refreshed 4 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in St. Louis

Featured local businesses in St. Louis.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
60
Affordability
85
Growth
50

Cost of Living

The cost of living in St. Louis is notably more affordable than the national average, standing at approximately 11% lower overall. Housing is a significant driver of this affordability, with average rents and median home prices considerably below the U.S. average. For instance, rentals in St. Louis are about 30% lower than the national average. While housing costs are lower, utility expenses are comparable to or slightly below national averages, with energy bills around $193.81 per month. Groceries are also generally budget-friendly, being about 0.8% lower than the national average.

Average Rent
$1,439/mo
Groceries
$385/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$195/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$38.00
Monthly groceries
$385.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

The St. Louis metropolitan area's economy is diverse, with key employment sectors including education and health services, trade and transportation, and professional and business services. The city is also seeing growth in its logistics and tech industries, contributing to a resilient commercial real estate sector. Major institutions like Washington University in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital are significant economic engines. While specific job growth rates for the city are not readily available, the broader metro area has shown population growth, suggesting underlying economic activity. The unemployment rate in St. Louis was 4% as of May 2026, which is comparable to the national average.

The average salary in St. Louis is $45,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Education +2.00% Healthcare +2.50% Technology +3.00% Professional & Business Services +1.70% Logistics & Transportation +1.80%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
69.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around St. Louis primarily relies on personal vehicles, with a high car dependency where nearly 90% of commuters use a car for work or school. The average commute time is around 28 minutes. Public transportation, including the MetroLink light rail and MetroBus system, offers an affordable and simple way to navigate the city, connecting key areas like Lambert Airport to downtown. The city is also investing in improving its bike infrastructure, with new protected bike lanes and greenways planned to enhance cycling safety and connectivity. Despite these efforts, walkability and transit scores remain moderate, reflecting the city's car-centric layout outside of its compact downtown core.

28 min
Avg Commute
55.00/10
Transit Score
55.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The average rent in St. Louis is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Housing costs, including median home prices, are considerably below the national average.
St. Louis offers numerous free cultural attractions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Gateway Arch grounds.
The city has a strong presence of major academic health systems and a well-established medical corridor, contributing to quality healthcare.
Investments are being made in improving bike infrastructure, including new protected bike lanes and greenways.
Drawbacks
St. Louis city has experienced a declining population, with an estimated annual decrease of -1.79% in 2026.
The city has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime, which is significantly above the national average.
Summers in St. Louis are characterized by intense heat and high humidity.
A high percentage of city residents (21.7%) live below the poverty line, indicating significant economic disparities.
St. Louis exhibits high car dependency, with nearly 90% of commuters using a car for work or school.

Questions about St. Louis

What people ask about living in and moving to St. Louis, Missouri.

How are the public schools in St. Louis rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in St. Louis vary widely in performance. Some districts have strong academic programs and extracurriculars, while others face challenges. Parents often look at state assessment scores, graduation rates, and parent reviews. Visiting school sites, attending open houses, and consulting the state education department’s school rating tools can help you assess which schools align with your expectations.

What kinds of healthcare facilities are available in St. Louis? Healthcare 1 answer

St. Louis hosts a mix of hospitals, specialty clinics, and urgent‑care centers that serve a large metropolitan population. Facilities range from large academic medical centers to community hospitals. Many offer outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, and specialty consults. To find the best fit, review local health system directories, read patient reviews, and confirm that your insurance network includes the chosen...

How does the cost of living in St. Louis compare to other U.S. cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

St. Louis has a cost of living index of 89, meaning expenses are roughly 11% lower than the national average. Housing is a major factor: the average rent is $1,439 per month, which is modest compared to many larger metros. Everyday items like groceries, utilities, and transportation also tend to be cheaper. If you’re used to higher prices, you’ll likely find your budget stretches further in St. Louis, especially if y...

What public transportation options are available in St. Louis? Getting Around 1 answer

St. Louis offers a network of bus routes and commuter rail lines that connect downtown, suburbs, and regional destinations. The city’s transit authority runs frequent services, and riders can purchase monthly passes or use mobile payment apps. Biking infrastructure is expanding, with dedicated lanes and bike‑share programs. Checking the transit authority’s website for schedules, fare maps, and real‑time updates will...

What are some popular cultural attractions in St. Louis? Things to Do 1 answer

St. Louis offers a variety of cultural venues, including museums, theaters, and music halls that showcase regional and national talent. Outdoor spaces such as parks, riverfront trails, and botanical gardens provide recreation and scenic views. The city’s arts districts host galleries, street art, and seasonal festivals. Checking city tourism portals and event calendars will give you up‑to‑date information on exhibiti...

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Louis? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Louis is $1,439 per month. This figure represents a typical price across the city, though rates can vary by neighborhood. Areas closer to transit routes or downtown usually command higher rents, while suburbs and older districts may offer lower rates. Checking local listings and contacting real‑estate agents can give you a clearer idea of current market conditions i...

Is St. Louis considered a safe city for families? Safety 1 answer

St. Louis has a safety score of 30.0 out of 100, indicating a higher crime rate relative to many other U.S. cities. Crime can be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while others maintain lower rates. It’s important to research neighborhood crime statistics, talk to local residents, and review police reports. Visiting areas at different times and speaking with community leaders can provide a clearer picture of safe...

What is the average salary for a software engineer in St. Louis? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average salary in St. Louis is $45,000 per year. While this is a citywide average across all industries, tech roles often pay above the median. However, salaries can still be lower than in major tech hubs. It’s wise to research industry reports, job boards, and professional networks specific to software engineering to gauge realistic compensation ranges in the local market.

What should I know about moving into St. Louis from out of state? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to St. Louis, consider the timing of the weather—spring and fall are mild, while winter can bring snow. Research pet‑friendly housing policies and local veterinary clinics. Familiarize yourself with utility setup, local tax registration, and driver’s license transfer procedures. It’s also helpful to join online community groups to learn about neighborhood amenities, local services, and moving tips from re...

What is the overall vibe of St. Louis for young professionals? General 1 answer

St. Louis blends urban amenities with accessible suburbs, offering a range of dining, nightlife, and cultural activities. The city’s cost of living is below the national average, which can ease financial pressure. Work‑life balance varies by industry, but many young professionals appreciate the city’s affordable housing, diverse neighborhoods, and growing tech scene. Visiting neighborhoods, attending networking event...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in St. Louis? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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