When studying abroad, it is essential to know the cost of living in the city. Today, I will provide details about the cost of living in St. Louis, Missouri. I hope to provide you with more detailed and intimate help when choosing a university to study.
Cost of Living in St. Louis, Missouri: General Overview
The cost of living in St. Louis, Missouri, is 6% lower than the national average, making it one of the least expensive cities in the United States. The cost of living each month depends on spending on housing, food, utilities, transportation, health care, and other services. You can make your spending plan based on our introduction.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Housing | $ 447-$ 6,900 per month |
| Meal | $ 200-$ 450 per month |
| Transpotation | $ 78-$ 200 per month |
| Utilities | $ 150-$ 300 per month |
| Daily Life | $ 12-$ 250 per month |
| Education | $ 18,500-$ 61,750 per year |
Cost of Living in St. Louis, Missouri
Housing in St. Louis
Housing is often the most significant living cost in St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, home costs are 27% lower than the national average. Rental prices are 31.3% lower than the national average.
Purchase houses
| House type | Price |
|---|---|
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $157.94 |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $139.34 |
Renting houses
| House type | Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,483.00/ month |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $991.00/ month |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $2,015.00/ month |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $1,770.00/ month |
On-Campus
On-campus housing is often an excellent choice for new students. Because living on campus means you can keep close contact with your classmates and be protected by the university. However, it is worth noting that the number of on-campus housing places is limited and cannot accommodate all students. Therefore, if you want to live on campus, you should still apply in advance and monitor the progress of your application. Prices for on-campus accommodation vary depending on the type and location, so you must check the university website for specific accommodation. Below is our summary of the approximate price situation:
| University | On-campus housing rent (dollar/year) |
|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | $ 12,946-$ 18,482 |
| Saint Louis University | $ 16,791-$ 25,272 |
Off-Campus
However, on-campus housing also has some disadvantages. The management of on-campus housing is more strict, and there are many rules for students to follow. Off-campus housing is a more suitable choice for students who are not used to collective living and have more accommodation needs. Off-campus housing also has a comprehensive security system, and more types of students can meet various accommodation needs. Moreover, the location of off-campus student apartments is also very close to the university, which will not affect students’ campus life. Here’s the data, according to uhomes.com:
| House type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Room | $ 897.16/ month |
| Studio | $ 1,364.73/ month |
| 1B | $ 1,390.00/ month |
| 2B | $ 1,396.46/ month |
| 3B | $ 1,305.87/ month |
| 4B | $ 671.25/ month |
Meal
Food is the most necessary, and the price varies across the country. Grocery prices in St. Louis are 5% higher than the national average. You can plan a reasonable budget based on your eating habits.
Eating Outside
You must prepare a larger budget to eat out daily. If you eat at cheap restaurants every day, you’ll spend about $22.50 per meal. If you’re dining with friends, a three-course meal for two will cost about $60.
Eat at home
Although the cost of ingredients in St. Louis is 5% higher than the national average, fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy and cheaper than eating in a restaurant.
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | $1.12 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $3.548 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $6.18 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $6.12 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $2.37 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.02 |
Transport
Transportation costs in St. Louis are in line with the national average living expenses in St. Louis, Missouri. You can find the right way to travel according to your budget. Subways can save time in traffic jams and reduce travel costs, and taxi travel can improve the travel experience. Regardless of the mode of travel, you can search the website for appropriate payment methods and offers.
| Vehicle | Price |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $78.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $3.50 |
| Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) | $2.50 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | $40.00 |
| Gasoline (1 gallon) | $3.08 |
Utilities
The bills of the rented apartments need to be paid according to the actual situation. The data here is for reference only.
For cell phone plans in the St. Louis area, you can choose from five mobile Wireless carriers listed below: Mint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and AT&T Wireless. Their products are of comparable quality and can give you a good service experience.
| Utilities (Monthly) | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment | $226.66 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | $61.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $73.89 |
Daily Life
In addition to the above St. Louis cost of living, there are other expenses in daily life. This part of the consumption depends on the individual’s lifestyle. I’ll break this category into three sections: sports & leisure, apparel, and healthcare.
Sports & Leisure
| Events | Price |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club | $25.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | $20.00 |
| Cinema | $12.97 |
| Yoga | $19.80 |
| Newspaper | $8.26 |
| Haircut | $21.05 |
| Beauty salon | $43.44 |
| Dry cleaning | $14.49 |
Apparel
| Events | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | $60.83 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | $38.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $93.14 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | $119.00 |
Healthcare
| Events | Price |
|---|---|
| Doctor’s Visit | $97.13 |
| Dentist Visit | $118.28 |
| Optometrist Visit | $101.01 |
| RX Drug | $248.98 |
| Veterinary Visit | $65.71 |
🎓Education
There are two famous universities in St. Louis: Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University. Different schools and different majors can lead to slightly different college costs. Here are the tuition fees of the two universities:
| University | Local Student Tuition Fee(dollar/year) | International Student Tuition Fee(dollar/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | Undergraduate $30,875 | Undergraduate $55,996 |
| Graduate $61,750 | Graduate $43,348 | |
| Saint Louis University | Undergraduate $26,130 | Undergraduate $26,130 |
| Graduate $21,900 | Graduate $18,500 |
What salary do you need to live comfortably?
Research shows that if you want to lead a comfortable life in St. Louis, your pre-tax salary is between $59,000 and $89,000 per year. Generally speaking, for an individual to have a comfortable life costs around $64,000 per year, while a family needs more than $100,000 per year. Therefore, you need to earn a higher salary to ensure your living standard. Of course, how to live a comfortable life depends on your housing, diet, and personal consumption habits. You need to make an estimate based on your own lifestyle.
Money Saving Tips
Set a budget
Learn more about your spending habits. You can gain insight into your shopping habits by summarizing and categorizing all your purchases. Once you know this, you can create a budget that works better for you.
Save money
If you always have trouble saving money, you can make a budget with cash and envelopes. You can put a portion of your money in an envelope to keep it and don’t use the cash in the envelope even if the money on your phone is finished.
Save the windfall
Every windfall, such as a job bonus, a competition prize, or a tax refund, is stored in one’s account.
Avoid impulse buying
If you want to buy something unnecessary, you can wait 24 hours. This will prevent you from buying expensive or unneeded items.
Make full use of the library
Libraries are a gold mine of free entertainment. It can provide many entertainment options, such as classes, e-books and audiobooks. Some libraries even allow you to borrow items like tools and sewing machines.
Volunteer during the holidays
Cultural festivals and events often offer free admission to volunteers. You can contact the organizer of your favourite event to inquire about hiring volunteers and what benefits are available.
Reduce the number of times you eat out
Commit to eating out less than once a month. Eating out is often much more expensive than cooking for yourself. Cooking your meals will save you a lot of money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing the living cost in St. Louis, Missouri, is essential to making informed financial planning and lifestyle choices. Individuals can get a comprehensive picture of the economic situation in this vibrant city by delving into the intricate details of costs such as housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries. With this knowledge, international students can manage their budgets more effectively and confidently shape their future. Remember, watching your expenses isn’t just about managing money; It’s about empowering yourself to make thoughtful choices that pave the way for a safe and fulfilling life in St. Louis.
FAQ
Is it expensive to live in St. Louis?
Living in St. Louis presents a mixed bag of living costs, with affordability varying across different aspects such as housing, utilities, and daily expenses. While specific fees may be higher than national averages, the overall cost of living can still be manageable for those seeking a diverse urban environment.
What is a good salary in St. Louis?
Depending on lifestyle preferences and family size, a median income range of $50,000 to $70,000 can offer financial stability and opportunities for growth in this vibrant urban setting. A good salary in St. Louis provides a comfortable standard of living while allowing individuals to save for the future and enjoy the city’s offerings.
Is St. Louis a low income city?
While challenges like concentrated poverty exist, St. Louis also presents opportunities for growth and resilience. Through community support, education initiatives, and economic development, St. Louis strives to uplift its residents and create a more prosperous future for all.
Is it cheaper to live in St. Louis or Chicago?
Yes, living expenses in St. Louis are much cheaper than those in Chicago. The housing cost in St. Louis is relatively much lower, allowing your expenses to be more abundant. Relatively speaking, you need to allocate more of your budget to the rental budget in Chicago.
