Salary Needed to Live in St. Louis as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $107,207/year to live comfortably in St. Louis, MO, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $107,207/year to live comfortably in St. Louis, MO. The bare-minimum salary is $85,476/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,438.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,271/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $8,934/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$107,207
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$85,476
$7,123/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,271
25% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in St. Louis
| Expense | St. Louis | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,296 | $2,509 | -48% |
| Groceries | $491 | $528 | -7% |
| Utilities | $262 | $337 | -22% |
| Transportation | $481 | $526 | -9% |
| Car Insurance | $133 | $211 | -37% |
| Health Insurance | $579 | $630 | -8% |
| 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 | $5,271 | $7,071 | -25% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,271
Target savings (15%):$1,167/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,438
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$107,207
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,296
3BR Apartment/House rent is 25% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus MO state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,167/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
87/100
St. Louis is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,296/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,029/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $85,476/year as the survival floor and $107,207/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in St. Louis
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in St. Louis?
A family with kids needs approximately $107,207/year ($8,934/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 $1,296/month, which is the largest single expense at 25% of the total budget.
Is St. Louis affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, St. Louis is 25% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.