Rent vs Buy in St. Louis, Missouri
Should you rent or buy in St. Louis? Get a personalized analysis based on current St. Louis housing market data.
Our Recommendation for St. Louis
In St. Louis, Missouri, buying is likely the better financial choice with break-even in about 4 years. Over 10 years, buying builds approximately $60K more wealth than renting. This is a moderate recommendation based on current market conditions.
Break-even
4 yrs
10-Year Advantage
+$60,000
buying wins
Confidence
74%
Price-to-Rent
15.0
St. Louis Market Statistics
Median Home Price
$225,000
-46% vs national
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
-39% vs national
Property Tax Rate
0.97%
Price Change (1 Year)
+3.6%
Price Change (5 Year)
+21.0%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.0
-210% vs national avg
Income to Afford
$17,500
Days on Market
54 days
Data sources: Zillow, Tax Foundation. Last updated: 12/1/2024
St. Louis Market Insights
St. Louis's home prices have been relatively stable over the past year, changing just 3.6%. This stability can benefit both buyers seeking predictability and renters who aren't pressured to buy immediately.
St. Louis's price-to-rent ratio of 15.0 is in the moderate range (15-20). Neither buying nor renting has a clear mathematical advantage based on this metric alone. Your decision should weigh personal factors like job stability and how long you plan to stay.
Home prices in St. Louis are 46% below the national median of $420,000. This relative affordability could make homeownership more accessible than in many other major cities.
The break-even point in St. Louis is 4 years. If you're confident you'll stay at least this long, buying becomes financially favorable. If your timeline is shorter, renting might be the safer choice.
About This Analysis
These insights are generated based on current St. Louis market data including median home prices, rental rates, property taxes, and historical appreciation. The analysis uses standard assumptions (20% down payment, 7% interest rate, 10-year horizon) for comparability. Your specific situation may differ—use our calculator below to run personalized numbers.
Run Your Own Numbers
Our analysis uses standard assumptions. Your situation may be different. Use our full Buy vs Rent calculator to input your specific income, down payment, and financial goals.
Compare Nearby Markets
See how St. Louis compares to other cities in Missouri and the surrounding area.
| City | Median Home | Median Rent | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis(current) | $225,000 | $1,250 | Buy |
| Kansas City | $285,000 | $1,250 | Toss-up |
| Springfield | $210,000 | $1,300 | Buy |
| Columbia | $245,000 | $1,100 | Toss-up |
Click on a city name to see its detailed rent vs buy analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on current St. Louis market data (median home price: $225,000, median rent: $1,250/month), our analysis suggests buying. The break-even point is approximately 4 years. However, your personal situation (income, savings, job stability, plans to stay) significantly impacts this decision. Use our calculator to run your specific numbers.
Our Methodology
Our rent vs buy analysis uses a comprehensive financial model that compares the total cost of homeownership against renting and investing the difference. Here's how we calculate each verdict:
1Buying Costs We Include
- Mortgage principal and interest (P&I)
- Property taxes (using local rates)
- Homeowner's insurance
- PMI (if down payment is less than 20%)
- Maintenance costs (1-2% of home value/year)
- Transaction costs (closing costs, realtor fees)
- Home appreciation over time
2Renting + Investing Assumptions
- Monthly rent with annual increases (~3%/year)
- Renter's insurance
- Down payment invested in stock market
- Monthly savings (buy cost - rent cost) invested
- 7% average annual stock market returns
- Investment growth over holding period
Standard Assumptions for City Analysis
Down Payment
20%
Interest Rate
7.0%
Loan Term
30 years
Time Horizon
10 years
How We Determine the Verdict
- Buy: When buying builds $20,000+ more wealth than renting over 10 years
- Rent: When renting + investing builds $20,000+ more wealth than buying over 10 years
- Toss-Up: When the difference is less than $20,000 either way—lifestyle factors should guide your decision
Note: This analysis provides general guidance based on market averages. Individual results will vary based on specific property characteristics, negotiated prices, timing, and personal financial factors. Always run your own numbers with our full calculator for personalized results.
Explore More Cities
More in Missouri
- Kansas City$285k
- Springfield$210k
- Columbia$245k
- Independence$220k
- Lee's Summit$245k
Similar Price Range
- Oklahoma City, OK$195k
- Detroit, MI$235k
- Louisville, KY$240k
- Omaha, NE$225k
- Tulsa, OK$210k
Ready to Run Your Numbers?
This analysis uses standard assumptions. Your situation is unique. Use our comprehensive Buy vs Rent calculator to input your specific income, savings, down payment, and financial goals.
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