ST. LOUIS – As most major cities, the income residents are needing to bring home to afford rent is steadily increasing compared to five years ago, according to a new report from Zillow.
For the Gateway City, the typical renter now should be earning $57,104—which is a 37.4% increase compared to what was needed in April 2020.
“Housing costs have surged since pre-pandemic, with rents growing quite a bit faster than wages,” Zillow Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy said in the report. “This often leaves little room for other expenses, making it particularly difficult for those hoping to save for a down payment on a future home. High upfront costs are often overlooked, which can keep renters in their current homes.”
The trend follows in the footsteps of another recent report from Realtor.com, which recorded that St. Louisans need to earn 62% more than in 2019 in order to afford an average home in the area.
Compared to other metropolitan areas around the country, St. Louis is one of the most affordable in Zillow’s list, falling in range with cities like Louisville ($57,000), Oklahoma City and Buffalo ($55,000).
It’s a drastic difference compared to major markets like New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Boston, and other coastal cities—as their needed income to afford rent in 2025 is double compared to its price point in 2020.
New York City came in at the top spot, as renters are needing an income of $144,960 in 2025 to afford it.
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