Living in St. Louis, MO

Living in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, MO Renter’s Guide

St. Louis has charm, history, and plenty of character-packed neighborhoods. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly big cities in the country, making it attractive for renters who want more space and flexibility without the steep price tag.

As of June 2025, the median rent in St. Louis is $1,118, with 1-bedrooms averaging $993 and 2-bedrooms at $1,270. Overall, prices are just 0.3% higher than they were a year ago—a signal of a relatively stable market.

Drawn to classic brick architecture, a buzzing foodie scene, or quiet residential blocks? St. Louis offers options for every lifestyle. Skip the guesswork and take our apartment quiz to find the right rental match for you.

Renter Satisfaction in St. Louis, MO

Apartment List’s Renter Satisfaction Survey sheds light on how renters feel about living in St. Louis. Based on over 45,000 responses nationwide, the results reveal what matters most to renters—and how St. Louis stacks up. Renters in St. Louis see the city as a mixed bag, but there are some standout strengths. Affordability and pet-friendliness scored high, suggesting that renters find good value and welcoming spaces for their furry companions.

Key findings in St. Louis include:

• Renters gave St. Louis a C+ overall.
• The city earned top marks for affordability (A) and pet-friendliness (A-).
• Public transit scored a B-, suggesting the city works for many without a car.
• Commute time matched the national average with a C+.
• Millennials rated the city lower (D), while parents were slightly more satisfied.
• St. Louis scored below nearby cities like Kansas City (B) and Springfield (B-), but remains more affordable than many bigger markets.

St. Louis, MO Renter Reviews

• "Love the trees and parks. Dislike the lack of diversity." – Anon.
• "Saint Louis is incredibly affordable and has a surprisingly great food scene. The city provides many free services and the population is small enough that you don’t have to wait in long lines." – Ally H.
• "I love the small town feel in a big city, but I hate the crime rate." – Taylor G.
• "I love the attention the city gives to décor and landscaping. But traffic is bad and it’s not very pedestrian-friendly." – Megan D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rents dropping in St. Louis?

According to Apartment List’s most recent rental report, the overall average rent in St. Louis is $1,118 per month. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $993, while the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,270. Rents increased 1.1% last month and are up 0.3% compared to this time last year.

Is St. Louis affordable?

Affordability is one of St. Louis’s biggest strengths. Rent prices remain low and relatively steady, with a 1.1% monthly increase and just a 0.3% uptick year-over-year.

Nearby cities like Florissant ($872 for a 1-bedroom) and Hazelwood ($890) come in well below the St. Louis median. On the higher end, areas like Olivette and Creve Coeur tend to have higher price points.

What is the cheapest area in St. Louis to live in?

Ferguson, Jennings, Bellefontaine Neighbors, and Riverview are among the most affordable parts of the St. Louis metro.

What is the best area in St. Louis to live in?

Some of the most popular neighborhoods for renters in St Louis, MO are Brentwood, Chesterfield, Lafayette Square, and Shaw.

What are traffic and public transit like in St. Louis?

Most people in St. Louis drive, but public transit options like MetroBus and MetroLink can be useful, depending on where you live. Transit coverage is limited, so it’s not always a full-time substitute for a car.

Traffic is usually heaviest from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Compared to larger cities, commutes are shorter. Many renters report manageable drive times, especially if they live close to work or a transit stop.

Is it cheaper to rent or own in St. Louis?

With average monthly homeowner costs at $1,458 and median rent at $1,118, renting comes out ahead for many St. Louis residents, especially in the short term.

What’s the best time to find an apartment in St. Louis?

Rent prices in St. Louis tend to dip in the winter months, especially December and January. Prices usually climb through spring and summer, when demand is higher. If you're looking to save, apartment hunting in the off-season may be your best bet.