Quick answer
St. Louis 1BR rent: $1,100/mo. Walk Score: 52/100. State tax: Up to 4.95%. Pick your lifestyle below for a personalised breakdown.
MO · 2026
Is St. Louis Good For You?
St. Louis, MO evaluated for 7 different lifestyles — remote workers, families, retirees, young professionals, tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time renters. Pick yours for a personalised cost-of-living breakdown.
1BR rent
$1,100/mo
Walk Score
52/100
State tax
Up to 4.95%
Median home
$215K
Choose Your Lifestyle
Is St. Louis Good for Remote Workers?
Cost savings, walkability, and time-zone fit for remote roles
Is St. Louis Good for Families?
School districts, home prices, and family quality of life
Is St. Louis Good for Retirees?
State tax on retirement income, healthcare, and walkability
Is St. Louis Good for Young Professionals?
Job market, nightlife, rent-to-salary ratio, and social scene
Is St. Louis Good for Tech Workers?
Tech job market depth, salary vs. cost savings over SF/NYC
Is St. Louis Good for Outdoor Enthusiasts?
Climate, trail access, and outdoor recreation proximity
Is St. Louis Good for First-Time Renters?
What rent actually costs, red flags to avoid, and upfront budget
St. Louis at a Glance
St. Louis is an overlooked city with genuine strengths — the Gateway Arch, a world-class free zoo, Forest Park (larger than Central Park), Washington University and SLU anchoring strong healthcare and education employment, and median home prices of $215K. The crime statistics are heavily concentrated in specific areas; well-chosen neighborhoods are genuinely safe and affordable.