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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,435 monthly including rent, or $1,216 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,713 with rent, or $2,131 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,990 including rent, or $3,047 for daily expenses alone.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.30 $25.30

$15.18 $15.18

$30.36 $30.36

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$68.8 $68.8

$49.12 $49.12

$118 $118

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.92 $10.92

$9.92 $9.92

$11.91 $11.91

Cappuccino

$4.87 $4.87

$3.40 $3.40

$7.77 $7.77

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

$2.49 $2.49

$2.02 $2.02

$3.54 $3.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.90 $1.90

$1.47 $1.47

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.56 $5.56

$3.60 $3.60

$8.24 $8.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.93 $5.93

$4.94 $4.94

$9.89 $9.89

Milk (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.64 $0.64

$1.55 $1.55

White Bread (500g)

$2.90 $2.90

$2.25 $2.25

$5.09 $5.09

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.72 $5.72

$3.02 $3.02

$6.70 $6.70

Eggs

$2.95 $2.95

$2.00 $2.00

$4.89 $4.89

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.33 $14.33

$6.63 $6.63

$22.17 $22.17

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.80 $11.80

$4.90 $4.90

$17.42 $17.42

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.73 $16.73

$11.15 $11.15

$33.46 $33.46

Apples (1kg)

$7.33 $7.33

$2.24 $2.24

$11.23 $11.23

Banana (1kg)

$2.30 $2.30

$1.18 $1.18

$4.51 $4.51

Oranges (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$2.16 $2.16

$10.84 $10.84

Tomato (1kg)

$4.13 $4.13

$2.18 $2.18

$6.68 $6.68

Potato (1kg)

$3.84 $3.84

$2.15 $2.15

$8.60 $8.60

Onion (1kg)

$3.87 $3.87

$2.15 $2.15

$6.47 $6.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.30 $2.30

$0.97 $0.97

$2.91 $2.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.38 $2.38

$1.44 $1.44

$3.96 $3.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.52 $7.52

$6.06 $6.06

$12.12 $12.12

Wine (Bottle)

$15.09 $15.09

$12.07 $12.07

$19.12 $19.12

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.70 $1.70

$4.06 $4.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.03 $4.03

$1.52 $1.52

$7.09 $7.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.55 $2.55

$3.06 $3.06

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$77.2 $77.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.58 $3.58

$15.34 $15.34

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.50 $1.50

$2.11 $2.11

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$39.84 $39.84

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)

$32.7K $32.7K

$24.0K $24.0K

$36.9K $36.9K

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

$26.4K $26.4K

$25.6K $25.6K

$28.2K $28.2K

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

$246 $246

$153 $153

$407 $407

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

$52.6 $52.6

$25.01 $25.01

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69.7 $69.7

$49.78 $49.78

$99.6 $99.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$27.10 $27.10

$14.78 $14.78

$34.49 $34.49

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.78 $19.78

Cinema Ticket

$12.93 $12.93

$11.93 $11.93

$14.92 $14.92

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

$1,303 $1,303

$1,166 $1,166

$2,000 $2,000

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.0K $24.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.5 $50.5

$24.61 $24.61

$78.8 $78.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.11 $41.11

$30.20 $30.20

$50.3 $50.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$92.2 $92.2

$77.4 $77.4

$121 $121

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$118 $118

$97.1 $97.1

$147 $147

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,424 $1,424

$857 $857

$2,016 $2,016

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,037 $1,037

$814 $814

$1,526 $1,526

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,372 $2,372

$1,600 $1,600

$3,501 $3,501

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,987 $1,987

$1,825 $1,825

$3,042 $3,042

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,451 $1,451

$1,079 $1,079

$2,688 $2,688

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,880 $1,880

$1,815 $1,815

$2,733 $2,733

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,131 $4,131

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: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,424 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,037 outside the center. At 34% of the average salary ($4,131), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,131, while typical expenses reach $2,435. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $425 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $69.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $77.2 per month.

Cost Highlights

Meal at budget restaurant is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Gym membership is cheaper than 92% of cities in North America

Rice is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Saint Louis, MO Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.

Living in Saint Louis, MO doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,435, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.

Budget at least $2,435 per month to live in Saint Louis, MO once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.

At $4,131 take-home, most residents in Saint Louis, MO can cover the $2,435 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,653 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.

Where you live in Saint Louis, MO makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,424; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,037. Overall, the market runs from $1,037 to $1,424 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

A monthly transit pass in Saint Louis, MO goes for roughly $77.2, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.

Childcare averages $1,303 monthly at a private kindergarten in Saint Louis, MO. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.

At $2,435 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,500 budget barely covers Saint Louis, MO. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.

Retirement in Saint Louis, MO is comfortable for most – total costs run about $2,435 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.

Monthly expenses in Saint Louis, MO run around $2,435, so putting money aside takes more than $3,653 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.