City Profile
St. Louis, Missouri
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
St. Louis, Missouri, a city rich in history and culture, is situated along the western bank of the Mississippi River. Known as the 'Gateway to the West,' it is famously home to the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing its historical role in westward expansion. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and numerous free attractions, making it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike. Despite a declining city population, the broader St. Louis metropolitan area has experienced growth, driven partly by international immigration. People are drawn to St. Louis for its unique blend of urban amenities, historic charm, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other major U.S. cities.
Missouri, known as the "Show-Me State," offers a diverse landscape from the Ozark Mountains to the Missouri River, characterized by a continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters, experiencing all four seasons. Its economy is highly diversified, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing (especially transportation equipment and food processing), financial services, and a growing presence in high-tech fields like agtech and cybersecurity. Living in Missouri is generally affordable, consistently ranking among the states with the lowest cost of living, with housing costs significantly below the national average. The lifestyle offers a blend of urban amenities in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, known for their arts, music, and professional sports, alongside abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in St. Louis is notably more affordable than the national average, standing at approximately 11% lower overall. Housing is a significant driver of this affordability, with average rents and median home prices considerably below the U.S. average. For instance, rentals in St. Louis are about 30% lower than the national average. While housing costs are lower, utility expenses are comparable to or slightly below national averages, with energy bills around $193.81 per month. Groceries are also generally budget-friendly, being about 0.8% lower than the national average.
Income
Salary Insights
The St. Louis metropolitan area's economy is diverse, with key employment sectors including education and health services, trade and transportation, and professional and business services. The city is also seeing growth in its logistics and tech industries, contributing to a resilient commercial real estate sector. Major institutions like Washington University in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital are significant economic engines. While specific job growth rates for the city are not readily available, the broader metro area has shown population growth, suggesting underlying economic activity. The unemployment rate in St. Louis was 4% as of May 2026, which is comparable to the national average.
The average salary in St. Louis is $45,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Mobility
Transport
Getting around St. Louis primarily relies on personal vehicles, with a high car dependency where nearly 90% of commuters use a car for work or school. The average commute time is around 28 minutes. Public transportation, including the MetroLink light rail and MetroBus system, offers an affordable and simple way to navigate the city, connecting key areas like Lambert Airport to downtown. The city is also investing in improving its bike infrastructure, with new protected bike lanes and greenways planned to enhance cycling safety and connectivity. Despite these efforts, walkability and transit scores remain moderate, reflecting the city's car-centric layout outside of its compact downtown core.
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