St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West,” a moniker dating to 1804 when Lewis and Clark set out from here to explore and chart the Louisiana Territory.
Today, the metropolitan population of 2.8 million ranks 23rd in the United States. Approximately one in ten residents lives in the city proper. St. Louis is strategically located along the banks of the Mississippi River south of the Missouri River. The city’s unique identity is accentuated by landmarks like the 630-foot Gateway Arch and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
Cost Benefits of the St. Louis Lifestyle
What are some of the financial advantages of living in St. Louis, Missouri? Let’s review how St. Louis compares to other major metropolitan areas in this regard. Always distinguish between the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County as you peruse the data; the two split in “The Great Divorce” of 1876.
There are many reasons why St. Louis is a smart financial choice for long-term living. Compared to national averages, costs are lower in categories like housing, healthcare, food, and transportation. Redfin’s Cost of Living analysis calculates that the area’s cost of living is 11% less than the national average.
Although calculations vary from one source to another, they all highlight St. Louis’ modest cost of living. Payscale calculates that St. Louis’ cost of living is 6% less than the national average, for example. You can use their Cost of Living Calculator to compare communities across the United States. For example, the calculator suggests that the cost of living in St. Louis is 43.1% lower than in San Francisco.
Housing costs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calculates that St. Louis residents spend an average of 30.7% of their income on housing. This is well below the national average of 34.3%. Average rent in the City of St. Louis is $1250, while average rent across all of St. Louis County is $1497. Both figures are well below the national average of $2097.
Other costs
According to Redfin, healthcare costs 12% less than the national average, while transportation costs 7% less. The latter is due in part to an average commute time of 20.7 minutes, 1.2 minutes less than the national average. In fact, St. Louis is often called “the 20-minute city” as most destinations are reachable in 20 minutes or less. The freeway network and the 46-mile Metrolink light rail system both contribute to reasonable travel times.
Redfin calculates that utilities cost 3% less than the national average. Missouri’s overall utility rates tend to be below national averages, “due to a combination of regulatory oversight, fuel diversity, and moderate energy demand growth.”
Attractive Lifestyle at a Reasonable Cost
Lower costs conjoin with other advantages of St. Louis living, including opportunities for employment, leisure time activities, and simplified travel.
Job growth
St. Louis’ job growth rate of 2.6% ranks it third among the nation’s major metropolitan areas. It ranks 23rd in population but 16th in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Greater St. Louis Inc. cites recent job announcements by employers like Boeing, General Motors, James Hardie, and American Foods Group.
Central location
St. Louis’ central geographical location is a plus for those who travel for business or pleasure. Interstates 70, 55, and 44 intersect here, offering efficient access to destinations in all directions. Amtrak provides direct rail service to Kansas City, Chicago, and Little Rock. St. Louis Lambert International Airport offers nonstop flights to more than 70 cities.
Amenities
Parks, culture, sports, entertainment, great food – St. Louis has it all.
The 1,300-acre Forest Park was the site of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Approximately 150 buildings represented dozens of countries. Attendance of 19.7 million was the equivalent of almost a quarter of the nation’s population of 82 million at the time.
Today, Forest Park is the home of the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum. On snowy winter days, those with sleds and toboggans convene on the big hill in front of the art museum. Washington University and St. Louis University also host art museums.
Theatergoers attend Broadway shows at the 1920s-era Fox Theatre. Music lovers attend concerts at a variety of venues, including the 10,600-seat Chaifetz Arena. Busch Stadium also hosts major concerts. The MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals are consistently competitive. The team has won the World Series 11 times. Sports fans enjoy other professional teams like hockey’s St. Louis Blues and soccer’s St. Louis City SC.
Food is top-of-mind for many St. Louis residents, with an emphasis on Italian and BBQ. The St. Louis Restaurant Review lists Charlie Gitto’s (5226 Shaw Ave) and Anthonino’s Taverna (2225 Macklind Ave) among its top 10 Italian restaurants in the Hill neighborhood. St. Louis-style BBQ is proudly served at many area eateries. Try the dry-rubbed ribs at Pappy’s (3106 Olive St), the apricot-glazed ribs at Bogart’s (1627 S. 9th St), or brisket at The Stellar Hog (40 Clarkson Wilson Center, Chesterfield).
Luxury Apartment Living in St. Louis
The historic enclave known as “The Hill” is just south of Forest Park. It is a 10-15 minute drive east to downtown St. Louis. The Hill is known for its community events, classic craftsman homes, and Italian restaurants.
Moda at The Hill is an amenity-rich development of luxury apartment homes in the neighborhood. It is part of an 11-acre planned community south of Interstate 44 and west of Kingshighway Boulevard. In-unit amenities include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and private balconies. Community amenities include a large landscaped pool courtyard. Cabanas, fire pits, and grilling stations complement the resort-style pool. Residents enjoy the convenience and peace of mind of a 250-car garage. Moda at The Hill also offers residents a fitness center, yoga studio, pet care facilities, and coworking spaces.
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned, full-service real estate firm founded in 1893. We manage luxury apartment communities in Missouri, Illinois, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. Browse our complete selection of properties here.
