St. Louis, located along the Mississippi River in Missouri, is a diverse urban city with historic roots and a dedication to the arts and community.
Founded in 1764 as a pioneer hub to the frontier, St. Louis is known as “The Gateway to the West.” The iconic Gateway Arch stands at the riverfront in the city’s heart as an homage to its origins.
St. Louis has a distinctive and impressive dedication to its residents. You’ll find it throughout the wide variety of neighborhoods here. Many of these areas include unique amenities or proximity to the best attractions and venues St. Louis offers.
Before you settle down, you take a look at the average rent in St. Louis before moving to this beautiful city.
What is the average rent in St. Louis?
The average rent in St. Louis is $1,806 for a one-bedroom apartment. Trending slightly downwards at 0.98 percent below last year, the ongoing efforts to keep St. Louis thriving are keeping this city moving forward.
Compared with the U.S. average rent, $1,610, the average rent in St. Louis will cost you just over 12 percent more.
How much do I need to make to live in St. Louis?
When it comes to St. Louis living, it’s important to calculate your rental costs. Experts recommend spending no more than 30 percent of your pre-tax income on your housing.
Using the average one-bedroom apartment as a guide, renters in St. Louis should earn $72,240 to live comfortably. With so many neighborhoods, there is plenty of variety available in St. Louis at all price points.
Use our rent calculator to find the best apartment that fits your budget.
The cost of living in St. Louis
The cost of living in St. Louis is 12 percent below the national average. Not only are everyday expenses more affordable in St. Louis, but there are also free and inexpensive offerings here that aren’t available in any other city in the United States. The lower cost of living impacts the average rent in St. Louis, too.
Let’s compare some everyday expenses you can expect here in St. Louis:
- Housing: The cost of housing in St. Louis is 28.7 percent lower than the national average
- Healthcare: The cost of healthcare in St. Louis is 10.9 percent below the national average
- Transportation: The cost of transportation in St. Louis is 10.6 percent lower than the national average
- Miscellaneous goods and services: The cost of miscellaneous goods and services in St. Louis is 7 percent less than the national average
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in St. Louis is 3.5 percent lower than the national average
- Groceries: The cost of groceries in St. Louis is 1.5 percent above the national average
With only groceries costing more than the national average, renters can live a high-quality life without breaking the bank in St. Louis.
The most and least expensive neighborhoods in St. Louis
St. Louis has a deeply rooted history that is easy to spot when exploring its neighborhoods.
Close proximity to local hot spots, such as Forest Park or Ballpark Village, come at premium rates coinciding with convenience. Neighborhoods with fewer attractions or amenities nearby can save you some money. We will break down the average rent in St. Louis based on individual neighborhoods.
With plenty of unique areas to choose from, the average rent prices in St. Louis may help narrow the field and help you find great options.
The most expensive St. Louis neighborhoods
St. Louis residents are great lovers of fun, festivals and food. In the most expensive neighborhoods, all three are found steps from every door.
Wrapped around the northeast corner of Forest Park, the who’s-who of St. Louis call the Central West End home. This large neighborhood is a beautifully landscaped jewel with two Metrolink light-rail stops, easy access to the bordering interstate and access to the top-notch hospital complex within its border. With all that the Central West End has to offer, it’s no surprise that it tops the list for demand, as well as price.
Plenty of other neighborhoods in St. Louis will bring you the best our city has to offer at the top of the price and amenities list. More than just the home of Anheuser-Busch, the Soulard Historic District has a premium fresh-air market and hosts a Mardi Gras festival like no other with its vibrant bar and restaurant scene.
Steeped in rich Irish-American history, Dogtown is a trendy family-friendly community. This area is home to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day festival.
Forest Park Southeast, Northampton and Clayton-Tamm are terrific options for those looking for the best the city has to offer.
A family-friendly neighborhood in St. Louis is easy to find. For example, several wonderful neighborhoods, such as Dutchtown or Holly Hills, with its own popular Carondelet Park, are havens for children and parents.
Over time, the Bevo Mill neighborhood has transformed into a vibrant Bosnian community, earning a new nickname, “Little Bosnia.” The Hill neighborhood developed similarly as a hotbed of incredible Italian-American bakeries, restaurants and bocce clubs.
Meanwhile, exploration of historic neighborhoods such as Tower Grove South, South Grand and the Shaw will reveal incredibly gorgeous homes and gardens around Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The cheapest St. Louis neighborhoods
If affordable is what you’re looking for, there are great options like DeBaliviere Place. This area is home to some of St. Louis’s most historic mansions, two pools and tennis for residents. With restoration efforts in full swing, this neighborhood is clearly on the rise and attractive to young professionals thanks to proximity to nearby Forest Park, Washington University and its Metrolink light-rail stop.
For free-spirited artists, Lafayette Square’s loft-living community regularly hosts festivals and activities within Lafayette Park.
Close to Downtown, Columbus Square is a very affordable option. Most importantly, it is just north of the hustle and bustle — Columbus Square is only three or four blocks away from the busy Washington Avenue business district.
Steps away from the highly desirable Central West End, you will find two neighborhoods increasing in popularity: the Midtown neighborhood, which includes Saint Louis University, and Grand Center, home to the Contemporary Art Museum to the immediate north. Luckily, both of these affordable communities are great options for students, artists and young professionals.
Average Rent prices in St. Louis neighborhoods
With so many great options based on the average rent in St. Louis, we’ve made you a list of all of the neighborhoods to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle and budget best.
| Neighborhood | 1BR Average Rent | YoY Rent Price Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Central West End Historic District | $2,354 | 8.23% |
| Cheltenham | $1,676 | -8.29% |
| Clayton-Tamm | $1,409 | -5.27% |
| Columbus Square | $699 | -27.31% |
| DeBaliviere Place | $1,010 | 10.33% |
| Dogtown | $1,409 | -5.27% |
| Downtown East | $1,516 | 15.66% |
| Downtown St. Louis | $1,343 | 7.57% |
| Downtown West | $906 | -18.92% |
| Florissant | $764 | 6.82% |
| Forest Park Southeast | $1,377 | -1.76% |
| Grand Center* | $993 | N/A |
| Half Moon Village | $689 | 1.11% |
| Lafayette Square | $1,304 | -5.82% |
| Midtown | $898 | 6.93% |
| Near Southside | $1,176 | 0.27% |
| Northampton | $1,437 | 10.50% |
| Patch | $1,050 | N/A |
| Soulard Historic District | $1,491 | 1.15% |
| Tilles Park | $1,437 | 10.50% |
| Village Royale* | $885 | 0.85% |
*May not be a true market representation due to insufficient inventory
Find your St. Louis neighborhood
Finding the perfect place to call home is quite an adventure in this city. Rest assured, no matter your budget or lifestyle, there is a great neighborhood in St. Louis for you.
So, when you are ready to find the best apartment or a great home, the Gateway to the West is waiting to welcome you.
