City Report · MO

Saint Louis

·52nd most expensive in Missouri·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,352/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.5%
Month-over-Month
-3.1%
vs US Median
-$610
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Saint Louis · $1,352
More affordable than 85% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
56/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Saint Louis's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,352/mo
Expected by trend
$1,397/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Saint Louis's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$967
1 BR
$1,005
2 BR
$1,241
3 BR
$1,605
4 BR+
$1,851
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,241/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,352 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$16,224/yr
At $1,352/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.5% YoY, -3.1% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Saint Louis, MO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,038 → $1,352
up 30.3%

Rent in Saint Louis, MO has increased 30.3% since 2021, going from about $1,038 per month to roughly $1,352 today. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Saint Louis, MO reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Saint Louis rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Saint Louis on your salary?

At $1,352/mo, how Saint Louis rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Saint Louis rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Saint Louis. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Saint Louis

About renting in Saint Louis, MO

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Saint Louis is $1,352/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $967/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,241/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,005/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,605/mo.

At 23% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Saint Louis ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Louis an affordable city for renters?

Saint Louis is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,352/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Saint Louis falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Saint Louis?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,352/mo in Saint Louis.

Is rent going up or down in Saint Louis?

Rent in Saint Louis has increased 4.5% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Saint Louis neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Saint Louis are 63113 ($900/mo), 63115 ($934/mo), and 63111 ($1,005/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Saint Louis is $1,352/mo.

How does Saint Louis rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

Saint Louis is middle-of-the-pack for Missouri for rent, ranking #52 out of 79 tracked cities at $1,352/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Saint Louis?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Saint Louis ($1,352/mo): Northwoods ($1,249/mo), Maplewood ($1,272/mo).

How does Saint Louis rent compare to the national average?

Saint Louis's median rent of $1,352/mo is $610 (31%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #52 out of 79 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,352/mo, rent takes ~23% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Saint Louis 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–4.7%
Run the Saint Louis affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Saint Louis
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Saint Louis, MO

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