What Is the Cost of Living in St. Louis, Missouri?

St. Louis, Missouri, a prominent Midwestern city, offers a distinct urban experience with a cost of living that often contrasts with larger coastal metropolitan areas. This overview clarifies typical living costs, providing insights into major household expenditures and other daily outlays. The information presented will assist in forming a comprehensive picture of what it entails to live comfortably within the city’s economic environment.

Understanding Major Household Expenses

Housing represents a significant portion of monthly expenditures in St. Louis. For renters, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs $995 to $1,290 per month, while a two-bedroom unit ranges from $1,200 to $1,410, varying by neighborhood. For homeownership, the median home price is between $175,000 and $271,063. The average home value in St. Louis is around $271,063, showing a modest increase over the past year.

Utility costs cover essential services like electricity, natural gas, water, internet, and trash removal. A typical apartment incurs combined basic utility costs ranging from $180 to $220 per month. More detailed estimates include about $119.53 for electricity, $76.55 to $131.54 for gas, and approximately $59.00 for water and sewer services. Internet services typically add $60 to $70 to the monthly bill, while trash removal averages around $23.00.

Grocery expenses in St. Louis are reasonable compared to the national average. For common items, a gallon of milk costs around $3.50 to $3.79, and a loaf of bread is about $2.50 to $2.89. For an individual, monthly grocery costs average around $686.

Transportation costs vary based on public transit or private vehicle ownership. Public options include MetroBus and MetroLink, with a single ride costing $1.00 to $2.50, a two-hour pass at $3.00, and a one-day pass for $5.00. A monthly Metro pass is $78. For those relying on personal vehicles, car insurance averages around $269 per month for full coverage. Missouri generally has lower gas prices than the national average, making driving more economical.

Healthcare expenses in St. Louis are notably lower than the national average, estimated to be about 12% less. Monthly healthcare costs for an individual are around $131.

Other Common Daily Costs

Personal care expenses include routine grooming services. A standard men’s haircut typically ranges from $20 to $27, while other salons offer haircuts from $28 to $42, depending on hair length and stylist experience.

Entertainment and dining out provide opportunities for leisure. A movie ticket costs around $12.16. An inexpensive meal is about $22.50, while a mid-range meal for two may cost $50 to $70. Fast food averages $10 to $12, and a pint of domestic beer is $5.20 to $6.00.

Clothing expenditures in St. Louis are generally more affordable, estimated to be about 9% lower than the national average. Miscellaneous expenses cover variable costs like streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, and household items. These represent a flexible part of a personal budget.

Childcare costs vary significantly by age and type of care. The average hourly rate for a child care provider ranges from $16.59 to $18.56, with monthly costs of $2,387 to $2,413. For infant care, hourly rates average $18.89 to $18.94, with weekly costs of $756 to $758 and monthly costs around $2,456 to $2,462. Daycare centers for infants typically charge $900 to $1,100 per month.

Creating Your St. Louis Budget

Establishing a personal budget is a foundational step in managing finances effectively in St. Louis. This involves tracking income and categorizing expenditures to gain a clear perspective on financial flows and identify areas for adjustment.

Using the provided cost ranges, individuals can estimate monthly outlays based on their lifestyle. For example, prioritizing public transportation reduces car ownership costs, while frequent dining out increases food expenses. These estimations reflect personal choices.

A hypothetical monthly budget for an individual in St. Louis might allocate approximately $1,000 to $1,300 for housing, $200 to $300 for utilities, and $300 to $400 for groceries. Transportation might range from $80 for public transit to $250 or more for car-related expenses. Personal care, entertainment, and miscellaneous items would then fill the remaining budget, demonstrating how different categories combine to form a complete financial picture.

Personal choices significantly influence individual costs. Opting for a smaller apartment or preparing meals at home more frequently can reduce housing and food expenses, allowing for greater financial control.