How much does it cost to rent in University City, MO?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in University City, MO is $1,527. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is University City cheaper than other Missouri cities?

University City falls in the middle range for Missouri, ranking #28 out of 74 cities at $1,527/mo.

When was University City rent data last updated?

University City rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · MO

University City

Name: Average Rent Prices in University City, MO
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 34,685·28th most expensive in Missouri·Rental market data updated monthly for University City, MO

Median rent (all units)

$1,527/mo

Year-over-Year

+3.3%

Month-over-Month

-4.6%

vs US Median

-$438

Falling (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

University City · $1,527

More affordable than 74% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

54/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what University City's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$1,527/mo

Expected by trend

$1,558/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where University City's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,070

1 BR

$1,110

2 BR

$1,370

3 BR

$1,770

4 BR+

$2,040

Research median

$1,370/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$18,324/yr

At $1,527/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Renter's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are softening (up only 3.3% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.

Based on rent-price momentum (+3.3% YoY, -4.6% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

University City, MO is majority owner-occupied, 64.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

34,685

Median income

$80,694

Median age

36.9

Renters

43.8%

Age distribution

17.3%

30%

23.8%

17%

Under 1817.3%

18–3430%

35–5423.8%

55–6412%

65+17%

Gender

46%

54%

Male46%

Female54%

Race & ethnicity

51.3%

31.1%

White51.3%

Black31.1%

Hispanic5%

Asian7.9%

Other4.8%

Education (25+)

12.7%

18.8%

64.9%

No HS diploma3.6%

HS diploma12.7%

Some college18.8%

Bachelor's+64.9%

Housing tenure

56.2%

43.8%

Owner56.2%

Renter43.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How University City, MO has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,153 → $1,527

up 32.4%

Income

$66,830 → $80,694

up 20.7%

Population

34,953 → 34,685

down 0.8%

Renter share

45.4% → 43.8%

-1.6 pts

Bachelor's+

61.2% → 64.9%

+3.7 pts

Median age

38.7 → 36.9

-1.8 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in University City, MO has shifted from $1,153 to $1,527, up 32.4% since 2021. Median household income climbed from $66,830 to $80,694 between 2021 and 2024, a 20.7% shift. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The renter share has eased from 45.4% to 43.8%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 61.2% to 64.9% across the same window. Taken together, the five-year picture in University City, MO reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

Discussions about University City

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View University City rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in University City on your salary?

At $1,527/mo, how University City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $86,922/yr · Rent = 21.1% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $61,714/yr · Rent = 29.7% income

affordable

Police Officer

Avg $71,088/yr · Rent = 25.8% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $127,061/yr · Rent = 14.4% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $162,352/yr · Rent = 11.3% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $57,785/yr · Rent = 31.7% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $52,173/yr · Rent = 35.1% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $64,308/yr · Rent = 28.5% income

affordable

By apartment size

University City rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in University City. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in University City

About renting in University City, MO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in University City is $1,527/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,070/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,370/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,110/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,770/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($80,694/yr), University City ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is University City an affordable city for renters?

University City is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,527/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($80,694/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. University City falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in University City?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $61,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,527/mo in University City. The local median household income is $80,694/yr, meaning the typical University City household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in University City?

Rent in University City has increased 3.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does University City rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

University City is middle-of-the-pack for Missouri for rent, ranking #28 out of 74 tracked cities at $1,527/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than University City?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than University City ($1,527/mo): Overland ($1,383/mo), Saint John ($1,429/mo).

What percentage of University City residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 43.8% of University City households are renters, while 56.2% are owner-occupied. University City leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does University City rent compare to the national average?

University City's median rent of $1,527/mo is $438 (22%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #28 out of 74 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

23%

VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,527/mo, rent takes ~23% of University City's median household income ($80,694/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

University City 23%Benchmark 30%

State income tax2–4.7%

Run the University City affordability calculator →

Nearby cities