St. Louis Relocation Deep Dive Report (2026)

1. St. Louis: The Data Profile (2026)

St. Louis presents a distinct economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 281,754, it functions as a compact, high-density urban core rather than a sprawling metro center. The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Remote Professional." Despite a local median income of $56,245—which is -24.6% below the national median of $74,580—the city boasts a highly educated workforce, with 45.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%.

This suggests a workforce overqualified for local wage structures, relying instead on national-level remote salaries to leverage the region's low cost of living.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage of St. Louis is driven almost entirely by the housing sector. While goods and services remain marginally cheaper, the aggregate cost of living index for housing sits at 82.5, representing a -17.5% discount against the national average.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the national median of $74,580 (approx. $4,660 monthly after tax) would retain approximately $1,790 in disposable income in St. Louis. This is roughly 40% higher than the disposable income available in comparable coastal metros.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The St. Louis housing market is characterized by high rental availability and low purchase barriers. The median home price remains accessible, but the price per square foot indicates smaller average footprints.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Given the -40.2% discount on median home prices relative to the US average, buying is statistically favorable for those planning a stay of 5+ years. The monthly mortgage payment on a median home is often comparable to renting a 2-bedroom unit, allowing buyers to build equity in a market with low volatility.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute:
In 2026, St. Louis operates with a hybrid economy. The post-remote shift has stabilized commute times, with the average one-way commute sitting at 24 minutes. This is -15% faster than the national average.

Industry Stability:
The local economy is anchored by healthcare (BJC HealthCare, SSM Health), advanced manufacturing (Boeing), and agriculture (Corteva). The unemployment rate is currently 4.0%, mirroring the national average exactly. However, local wage suppression means that high-growth sectors like tech and finance are heavily skewed toward remote workers earning out-of-state salaries.

5. Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is robust, the health metrics present a complex picture. The city holds a composite Health Score of 78.1/100, which is considered "Good," yet underlying risk factors for chronic disease are significantly elevated.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety remains the primary detractor. Violent crime stands at 543 incidents per 100k people, which is 43% higher than the US average of 380. Property crime is even more pronounced at 2,876 per 100k, 44% above the national average.

Air Quality & Weather:
The city enjoys better-than-average air quality with an AQI of 45 and PM2.5 levels of 8.1 µg/m³. Current weather shows a temperature of 39.0°F with a high of 47°F, typical for the region's seasonal variability.

Schools:
Public school performance is variable, with a graduation rate of 88.5%, slightly below the national average of 89.6%.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: At a median price of $245,000, the market is -40.2% cheaper than the national average.
• Remote Leverage: A remote worker earning $74,580 can achieve a lifestyle equivalent to earning $110,000+ in a high-cost city.
• Education: A workforce that is 45.1% college-educated provides a strong intellectual infrastructure.

Cons:

• Crime: Violent crime rates of 543/100k require selective neighborhood vetting.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (36.8%) and diabetes (13.2%) suggest a challenging environment for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits without strong personal discipline.

Recommendation:
St. Louis is a Buy for 2026, specifically for remote professionals who can command a salary exceeding $75,000. It is not recommended for local job seekers dependent on the regional wage market, nor for families who prioritize safety metrics over housing square footage.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in St. Louis?
For a single professional to live comfortably (including savings and discretionary spending), a salary of $65,000 is the baseline. However, to leverage the market fully, earning $80,000+ (remote) is ideal.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest cities?
St. Louis offers -10% to -15% lower housing costs compared to Indianapolis or Kansas City, though it trades this for higher crime statistics.

3. Are the safety stats really that high?
Yes. The data indicates a Violent Crime rate of 543/100k. Relocators should focus on specific neighborhoods (e.g., Central West End, Clayton) which have crime rates closer to the national average.

4. Is now a good time to buy?
With the Housing Index at 82.5 and interest rates stabilizing in 2026, it is an optimal entry point for buyers looking to secure a low-cost asset before potential market appreciation.