Cost of Living in Saint Louis, MO - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,190 (excluding rent), and $2,418 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,802 (excluding rent), and $5,054 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.32 $25.32

$15.19 $15.19

$30.38 $30.38

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$69.8 $69.8

$49.83 $49.83

$120 $120

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.86 $10.86

$9.87 $9.87

$11.84 $11.84

Cappuccino

$5.14 $5.14

$3.59 $3.59

$8.2 $8.2

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.41 $2.41

$1.96 $1.96

$3.43 $3.43

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.89 $1.89

$1.46 $1.46

$2.94 $2.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.24 $5.24

$3.4 $3.4

$7.77 $7.77

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.11 $6.11

$5.09 $5.09

$10.18 $10.18

Milk (1 liter)

$0.96 $0.96

$0.65 $0.65

$1.56 $1.56

White Bread (500g)

$2.85 $2.85

$2.21 $2.21

$5 $5

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.58 $5.58

$2.95 $2.95

$6.54 $6.54

Eggs

$2.92 $2.92

$1.98 $1.98

$4.85 $4.85

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.37 $14.37

$6.64 $6.64

$22.23 $22.23

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.84 $11.84

$4.91 $4.91

$17.48 $17.48

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.52 $16.52

$11.01 $11.01

$33.04 $33.04

Apples (1kg)

$7.08 $7.08

$2.17 $2.17

$10.85 $10.85

Banana (1kg)

$2.31 $2.31

$1.18 $1.18

$4.53 $4.53

Oranges (1kg)

$5.9 $5.9

$2.27 $2.27

$11.35 $11.35

Tomato (1kg)

$3.99 $3.99

$2.11 $2.11

$6.46 $6.46

Potato (1kg)

$3.9 $3.9

$2.18 $2.18

$8.72 $8.72

Onion (1kg)

$3.94 $3.94

$2.19 $2.19

$6.57 $6.57

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.41 $2.41

$1.02 $1.02

$3.05 $3.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.35 $2.35

$1.42 $1.42

$3.92 $3.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.67 $7.67

$6.18 $6.18

$12.35 $12.35

Wine (Bottle)

$15.27 $15.27

$12.21 $12.21

$20.36 $20.36

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.72 $1.72

$4.12 $4.12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.06 $4.06

$1.53 $1.53

$7.14 $7.14

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.53 $2.53

$3.04 $3.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$77.5 $77.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.44 $3.44

$14.73 $14.73

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.6 $1.6

$2.23 $2.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$40.62 $40.62

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.73 $0.73

$0.94 $0.94

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32K $32K

$23.5K $23.5K

$36.1K $36.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.4K $26.4K

$25.6K $25.6K

$28.3K $28.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$238 $238

$148 $148

$394 $394

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$52.5 $52.5

$24.94 $24.94

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69.2 $69.2

$49.41 $49.41

$98.8 $98.8

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$27.57 $27.57

$15.04 $15.04

$35.09 $35.09

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.74 $19.74

Cinema Ticket

$12.93 $12.93

$11.93 $11.93

$14.91 $14.91

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,311 $1,311

$1,174 $1,174

$2,012 $2,012

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.4K $23.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.8 $51.8

$25.26 $25.26

$80.8 $80.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.56 $40.56

$29.8 $29.8

$49.67 $49.67

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93.5 $93.5

$78.5 $78.5

$122 $122

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$121 $121

$99 $99

$150 $150

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,420 $1,420

$855 $855

$2,011 $2,011

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,030 $1,030

$808 $808

$1,515 $1,515

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,347 $2,347

$1,583 $1,583

$3,464 $3,464

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,954 $1,954

$1,794 $1,794

$2,990 $2,990

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,889 $1,889

$1,615 $1,615

$2,692 $2,692

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,694 $1,694

$1,378 $1,378

$2,650 $2,650

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,262 $4,262

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

5.9

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 2, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Saint Louis, MO - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Saint Louis, MO, United States remains favorable for many who want space, culture, and urban convenience without a heavy price tag. Compared with coastal tech hubs, you'll notice more affordable housing options in established neighborhoods like Central West End or The Grove, plus lower daily costs for groceries, dining, and transit. You can enjoy a robust array of museums, parks, and riverside walks without the premium price of bigger metros. Short-term stays often flex with seasons, letting you optimize lodging and activities. Tip: Start with a month-long scout to map out neighborhoods that fit your rhythm.

Saint Louis, MO, United States living cost stays approachable for most newcomers who balance location, amenities, and commute. Housing options range from spacious flats in established corridors to charming older homes in neighborhoods like Central West End, The Hill, or Soulard; rental scales usually reflect proximity to parks and downtown access. Food scene is varied: you can savor budget-friendly casual spots, reliable supermarkets, and plentiful farmers markets during growing seasons. Transit is workable: MetroLink light rail links several clusters, buses cover many routes, and biking can be pleasant along the riverfront trails. Errands are practical with neighborhood hubs and riverfront markets. Tip: Map a core set of neighborhoods by vibe and commute time, then test groceries and cafe culture during a weekend stroll.

Quality of life in Saint Louis leans on neighborhood fit, practical budgeting, and seasonal rhythm. Consider living near Forest Park, Central West End, or the riverfront for easy access to greens, cafes, and cultural venues. Build a simple budgeting frame: cover essentials first, then allocate flexible funds for experiences, dining, and occasional upgrades. Seasons shape daily life – from hot summers to milder springs – so plan for clothing, shade, and indoor activities. Embrace community markets, free or low-cost events, and a mix of public spaces to keep weekends varied. Tip: Track your neighborhood pros and cons with a short, repeatable checklist.