Salary Needed to Live in St. Louis as a Family

A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $50,908/year to live comfortably in St. Louis, MO — including 15% savings.

Comfortable Salary
$50,908
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$40,589
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,503
14% below national avg

Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in St. Louis

ExpenseSt. LouisNat'l AvgDiff
🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent$190$209-9%
🛒 Groceries$41$44-7%
⚡ Utilities$22$28-21%
🚗 Transportation$40$44-9%
🛡️ Car Insurance$133$211-37%
🏥 Health Insurance$48$53-9%
Childcare/After-school$1,044$1,200-13%
Internet + Phones$157$180-13%
Children Activities$218$250-13%
Dining Out$305$350-13%
School Supplies & Clothing$174$200-13%
Healthcare Co-pays$131$150-13%
Total Monthly$2,503$2,919-14%

How We Calculated the Salary

Monthly expenses:$2,503
Target savings (15%):$554/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,057
Effective tax rate:26%

Gross annual salary needed:$50,908

Other Household Types in St. Louis

Single Person
$16,781/yr
$895/mo expenses
Couple (No Kids)
$23,574/yr
$1,218/mo expenses
Retiree
$17,461/yr
$1,004/mo expenses

Related Pages

Living Alone in St. LouisCity OverviewAfford on $75K?Afford on $100K?Cost of Living

FAQ

What salary does a family with kids need in St. Louis?
A family with kids needs approximately $50,908/year ($4,242/month gross) to live comfortably in St. Louis with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in St. Louis?
A 3br apartment/house in St. Louis costs approximately $190/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is St. Louis affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, St. Louis is 14% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.
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