A new interactive map making the rounds shows cities and counties across the country and whether it’s more affordable to buy a home or rent in 2025. So, how does the St. Louis metro stack up? Let’s break it down.
The data highlights three key counties in our area—St. Charles, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City—and in all three, buying is still the better financial move. However, affordability varies significantly:
- St. Charles County
- Median Home Price: $358,698
- Home Affordability: 40.6% of income
- Rental Affordability: 45.9% of income
- Weekly Wages: $1,115
- With solid wages and better affordability, St. Charles remains a strong market for buyers.
- St. Louis County
- Median Home Price: $235,000
- Home Affordability: 23.0% of income
- Rental Affordability: 24.9% of income
- Weekly Wages: $1,392
- Still a strong buying market, but home prices remain more affordable than in neighboring counties.
- St. Louis City
- Median Home Price: $190,000
- Home Affordability: 17.4% of income
- Rental Affordability: 28.1% of income
- Weekly Wages: $1,436
- The most affordable home prices in the metro area, but rental costs take up a bigger chunk of income.
What Does This Mean?
While housing costs have risen, owning still wins out over renting in St. Louis. Affordability looks strongest in St. Charles County, but even in St. Louis City, where wages are higher relative to home prices, buying is the better long-term move.
Buy vs Rent in 2025?
(click map below for live, interactive map)
