Is $50K a Good Salary in St. Louis, MO?
Full budget breakdown for St. Louis on $50K/year — take-home after taxes, rent burden, what you can afford, and how it compares to the city median.
Monthly budget in St. Louis on $50K
US average equivalent
$57,000
Your $50K in St. Louis (COL: 87) buys the same as $57,000/yr in a city with average US cost of living.
vs St. Louis median
-7%
The median household income in St. Louis is $54,000/yr. You're earning 7% below that.
Cities where $50K goes further
These cities have a lower rent burden at $50K than St. Louis.
Other salary levels in St. Louis
Frequently asked questions
Is $50K a good salary in St. Louis?
$50K/year in St. Louis gives you approximately $2,965/month in take-home pay after federal and state taxes. With a median 1BR rent of $1,300/month, your rent burden is 44% of take-home — which is considered tight. St. Louis ranks #81 out of 179 cities for this salary level.
How much is $50K after taxes in St. Louis?
On $50K/year in St. Louis (MO), you take home approximately $2,965/month after federal income tax, 4.7% MO state income tax, and FICA. That is roughly $35,580/year net.
What is the cost of living in St. Louis on $50K?
Monthly estimated costs in St. Louis: rent $1,300, groceries ~$369, transportation ~$75, utilities ~$162, internet ~$60. Total estimated expenses: ~$1,966/month, leaving ~$999/month after essentials on a $50K salary.
Tax estimates use 2026 brackets · Rent data: Zillow Observed Rent Index · Budget figures are estimates for general guidance only