Everything You Should Know About Living in St. Louis, Missouri

Is St. Louis a good place to live? Located in the state of Missouri, the city of St. Louis is known for its low cost of living and affordable housing. Plus, its robust job market allows people to find opportunities in a wide array of fields. Living in St. Louis provides an environment where people are friendly and have a strong sense of community. The area's central location also allows for easy access to other parts of the country.

St. Louis is home to iconic landmarks such as the Gateway Arch and world-class museums like the St. Louis Science Center. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with several performing arts facilities, free cultural events, and festivals.

St. Louis at a Glance

• Situated on the Mississippi River, St. Louis is located on the eastern boundary of the state.
• St. Louis occupies 61.74 square miles of land.
• St. Louis has a population of approximately 269,300.
• The median age in St. Louis is around 36.6 years old.
• The city coined the nickname “Gateway of the West” due to its historic role in the westward expansion of the U.S.

19 Things To Know About Living in St. Louis, MO

With its affordable cost of living, thriving job market, and vibrant culture, living in St. Louis can be an exciting experience. Still, there are several important factors to consider before calling it your home. Take a look at the most important things you should know about living in St. Louis, MO.

The cost of living in St. Louis is almost 16 percent lower than the national average.

1. St. Louis’ Cost of Living Is Lower Than the National Average

St. Louis is known for its affordability, and residents enjoy an exciting lifestyle. With a cost of living score of 84.1, the cost of living in St. Louis is almost 16 percent lower than the national average and 1.5 percent lower than the Missouri state average of 85.6. Living in St. Louis is more affordable than other popular cities in the state, like Kansas City.

A family of four living in St. Louis with two adults and two children should make around $104,500 annually before taxes to cover basic expenses. A person living alone, like a student, young professional, or retiree, needs to make closer to $40,800 annually before taxes.

That’s only covering your basic living expenses, though. What salary do you need to live comfortably in St. Louis? According to the 50/30/20 budget, 50 percent of your overall salary should be put towards your needs, 30 percent towards entertainment/hobbies, and 20 percent towards paying off debt, saving, and investing. Based on these percentages, a family of four with both adults working would need to make $209,000 annually before taxes, while a single person living alone would need to make $117,200 annually before taxes.

2. Living in St. Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros of Living in St. Louis

• Affordable cost of living
• Booming job market
• Variety of arts & culture experiences for entertainment
• Diverse dining scene

Cons of Living in St. Louis

• Extreme winter weather
• High crime rates in certain areas
• Issues with homelessness 
• Lots of tourists during certain seasons

3. St. Louis’ Housing Market Is Affordable

The city of St. Louis has a long history of architecture, with notable home styles such as the Greek Revival, Victorian, and Tudor homes. Modern construction is also available, though the city's unique character allows you to find dwellings influenced by the Prairie house (pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright) and Arts and Crafts movements. With an average home value of $179,800, St. Louis offers a mix of charm and affordability that’s hard to beat.

4. Apartments & Renting in St. Louis Are a Popular Option

There are a variety of apartment types in St. Louis that cater to different budgets and lifestyles. The high end of the market is dominated by luxury apartments in the city's urban areas — especially Downtown. Studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes are available in all areas of the city, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment $1,325.

Benton Park is one of the best areas to live in St. Louis for retirees, thanks to its mix of stores, parks, historic architecture, and tight-knit community feel.

(Source: Those Dewald Guys via Facebook)

5. Some of the Best Places To Live in St. Louis

Any walk of life can reap the benefits of the energetic and vibrant feel in both the best neighborhoods and suburbs of St. Louis! Take a look at the best neighborhoods and who they’re best suited for.

Shaw

Ranked the No.1 best neighborhood to live in St. Louis, especially for families, the Shaw neighborhood offers a tight-knit community feel with local events like the Tower Grove Farmers' Market. Surrounded by a vibrant urban energy, residents can enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks in this area.

Downtown

Young professionals are drawn to Downtown St. Louis due to its emphasis on redevelopment, the area's central location, and the availability of a light rail system. These factors, along with job prospects and entertainment options, have been the main reasons why the area has experienced so much growth.

Benton Park

Benton Park is one of the best areas to live in St. Louis for retirees, thanks to its mix of stores, parks, historic architecture, and tight-knit community feel.

Residents enjoy a high walk score as it allows them to complete most of their errands on foot. This area is known for its history, and it features The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the area's past. Cherokee Street provides lots to do locally.

6. St. Louis Has World-Class Public Transportation

The Metro Transit system in St. Louis is regarded as one of the best public transportation systems in the country. It includes the MetroLink Light Rail and the extensive MetroBus network, serving the metropolitan area and the surrounding counties.

The light rail system, known as the MetroLink, features numerous lines and stops throughout the metropolitan area and nearby regions. It serves prominent locations, including Union Station and Busch Stadium. On the other hand, the bus network — known as the Metrobus — has over 50 routes that run throughout the city.

The St. Louis area has several quality higher education institutions, including Washington University (pictured) and Saint Louis University.

(Source: Washington University in St. Louis)

7. Schools and Higher Education Are a Priority

St. Louis offers a wide range of educational opportunities, with top-rated public schools located in its affluent suburbs. Some of the best public school districts in St. Louis, according to Niche, include Ladue School District, the School District of Clayton, and Rockwood R-VI School District. The area also has several quality higher education institutions, including Washington University and Saint Louis University.

8. You Can Cheer on Your Favorite Team in the Ultimate Sports City

If you’re a sports fan, St. Louis is the place to be. Named one of the best sports cities in the nation by WalletHub in 2025, it’s home to powerhouse teams and passionate fans. The Cardinals, a prominent baseball team in the MLB, have a long history of success, and they keep the excitement going each year.

Along with the St. Louis Blues NHL hockey team, a new and successful soccer franchise by the name of St. Louis CITY SC has recently become incorporated into the city’s sports scene.

9. Weather Can Vary Dramatically Throughout the Year

The climate in St. Louis is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with temperatures varying from 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the year. During the summer season, the city experiences hot and muggy weather, while in winter, it experiences snowy and sometimes below-zero temperatures. The area's annual precipitation totals are typically around 34 inches.

10. Crime Rates Are Quite High in Certain Areas

The crime rate in St. Louis is 78 per 1,000 residents, which is among the highest in the country. There is a one in 13 chance of residents in this area becoming a victim of either property or violent crime. 

11. St. Louis’ Job Market Is Booming

The metro area of St. Louis is one of the most flourishing job markets in the nation, with employment growth rates that are tied for the third-highest among all major metropolitan areas from August 2023 to August 2024. Sectors that have experienced the highest employment growth include technology, logistics, and leisure and hospitality.

In Missouri, information technology workers are in high demand, with several positions expected to grow in support, programming, and development. St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) hosts various hiring events and connects job seekers with available positions.

Try some of the area's favorite dishes at places such as Pappy's Smokehouse, Anthonino’s Taverna (pictured), and Salt + Smoke.

(Source: Anthoninos Taverna)

12. The Food Scene Is Impressive & Diverse

The St. Louis food scene is both unique and underrated, featuring a variety of local favorites like St. Louis-style pizza, the St. Paul sandwich, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake. The city also features a variety of global flavors and ingredients, as well as collaborations between farmers and chefs.

Try some of the area's favorite dishes at places such as Pappy's Smokehouse, Anthonino’s Taverna, and Salt + Smoke. You can also enjoy many of the favorite local sweets at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

13. St. Louis Boasts a Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

Home to world-renowned art museums, you'll find fascinating art institutions in St. Louis, such as the St. Louis Art Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum. You can additionally visit one of the region's more complex exhibits at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum or the Grand Center Arts District.

14. Best Things To Do in St. Louis, Missouri

No matter what time of year, there’s always something exciting happening in St. Louis. Here are some of the top things to check out around the city.

Gateway Arch Overview

Take a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, which is over 600 feet tall. Once you reach the top, you can see Downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois from the windows.

Thrill Seek at Six Flags

Six Flags St. Louis offers fun and excitement for thrill seekers of all ages. Its water park, Hurricane Harbor, takes the adventure up a notch with rides like the Typhoon Twister, where you can experience zero gravity. You can also race friends (or the kids!) down the Wahoo Racer or explore Gulley Washer Creek.

A Night Out in One of the City’s Entertainment Districts

The entertainment districts of St. Louis are where you can enjoy a great night out. Whether you want to go to the trendy Ballpark Village or Union Station, you'll find plenty of bars and music venues to stay entertained. The city also has several casinos that offer a variety of great gaming and dining experiences.

Enjoy the Beauty of the Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a place of discovery and beautiful sights, plus it serves as a research institution. Every visit to the garden provides an opportunity to learn more about plants and their role in our lives.

The Botanical Garden also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Best of Missouri Market, the Japanese Festival, and the Whitaker Music Festival.

Attend a Local Festival

Festivals and fairs bring people together every year in St. Louis. Some of the most popular events include the Winterfest, Pride Fest, and Music at the Intersection.

People who love art should plan a trip to one of the area’s many art festivals. Some of these include Art in Bloom at the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Laumeier Art Fair.

You can visit the Anheuser-Busch Complex or one of the many, many breweries in the city.

(Source: Explore St. Louis via Facebook)

15. St. Louis Has a Long Brewery History

Most people know that Anheuser-Busch is a major player in both the U.S. and St. Louis’ beer industries. In fact, the Anheuser-Busch Complex is located here and has been a national historical landmark for over 50 years. You can visit the brewery or The Biergarten for a variety of quality beers and food tastings.

16. You Can Stay Active Through the Great Rivers Greenway

Great Rivers Greenway connects communities in the St. Louis area with more than 128 miles of trails. The network includes various walk/run trails, conservation projects, and bike paths. One of its most exciting projects, the Brickline Greenway, is currently under construction and will add another 12 miles of connections between several urban neighborhoods.

17. You’ll Have Access To Top-Notch Healthcare

St. Louis is home to some of the country's best healthcare facilities. One of these is Barnes-Jewish Hospital — known for its expertise in various medical specialties, including cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, and orthopedics.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital is another standout and is also regarded as one of the top facilities for children in the nation.

18. There Is a Piece of Historic Charm Found Everywhere in St. Louis

The city of St. Louis has a rich history that is reflected in its historic districts and architecture. Notable neighborhoods include Soulard and Lafayette Square, which are characterized by their tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and inclusion in the National Register of Historic Districts.

Downtown also has many historic and eye-catching structures, including the Gateway Arch and the first building to successfully utilize steel frame construction, the Wainwright Building.

19. You Can Always Find an Iced Tea in St. Louis

Iced tea was first commercialized at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, when a local tea plantation owner sold the drink to fairgoers. The beverage was an instant hit and has become a popular summer staple ever since!

PODS will deliver your container right to your driveway for convenient loading and unloading.

Let PODS Help With Your Move to St. Louis

Deciding to move to St. Louis is the easy part; actually getting there is where the challenge begins. That’s where PODS comes to save the day. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you’ll be able to load on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading assistance. Once you’ve got the container loaded up, schedule a pick-up and have it delivered to your new home or kept in a secure PODS Storage Center until you're ready.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call (877) 350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

^{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}