If you're considering moving to St. Louis or want to reduce your rent, I'm sharing information I gathered through my own research. Overall, St. Louis has a relatively low cost of living compared to other Midwestern cities, but rental prices can vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.

One of the most frequently mentioned areas is near Soulard. Soulard is an old neighborhood located south of downtown St. Louis, known for its historic district filled with 19th-century brick buildings. You can often find one-bedroom apartments in this area renting for between $800 and $1,100 per month. It's just a 10-minute drive from downtown, and the rent is definitely on the cheaper side. However, since many buildings are older, the maintenance conditions can vary greatly, so it's best to see the inside before making a decision.

Affton and Mehlville are residential neighborhoods located in the southern part of St. Louis County. Both areas are relatively quiet with a high percentage of family residents, making them safer, and the public school ratings are decent. For one-bedroom units, you can find prices ranging from $750 to $1,000, while two-bedroom units are available between $900 and $1,200. They have good access to highways I-270 and I-55, making commuting by car convenient.

Florissant is a city in northern St. Louis County. Historically an older suburban area, it has many single-family homes, and for townhouses or single-family rentals, you can find two-bedroom options typically priced between $900 and $1,150. However, the northern county area has varying school districts and safety levels, so it's advisable to check school information based on specific addresses. You can search for school performance data for free on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

Ferguson is a small city located right next to Florissant, and since the mid-2010s, the rental prices have decreased due to changes in the population. You can find studios or one-bedroom apartments for around $650 to $850, making it a great option if you're looking for very affordable rent. However, since the area's image has been somewhat affected since the 2014 incident, it's wise to visit and get a feel for the atmosphere before moving.

Maplewood is a small city just west of St. Louis City and adjacent to Clayton, which has gained attention as a trendy neighborhood in recent years. With independent cafes, vintage shops, and breweries, it has seen an increase in younger residents. Rent prices for one-bedroom apartments range from $900 to $1,300, which is slightly higher than Soulard, but the quality of life makes it worth considering. Another advantage is its connection to Clayton CBD via public transportation (MetroLink).

Webster Groves and Kirkwood are neighborhoods in western St. Louis County known for their good school districts and living environments, but the rental prices here are somewhat higher. One-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,500, but renting single-family homes can sometimes be reasonably priced for the space offered. If schools are a priority for your family, it's worth looking into the schools under the Webster Groves School District.

Lastly, here are some important things to check before signing a lease. In Missouri, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days, and notice to vacate must be given at least 30 days before the rent due date. St. Louis City and County have separate administrative boundaries, so even within St. Louis, taxes, school districts, and service systems can differ depending on whether you are within city limits or in the county. It's also crucial to carefully check whether the lease includes Pet Fees, Parking, and Utilities.