If you just received PCS orders to Scott Air Force Base or you are transitioning out of the military and looking for an affordable place to put down roots, St. Louis deserves a serious look. While housing costs across much of the country have climbed sharply since 2020, the St. Louis metro area remains one of the most budget-friendly major metros in the United States.
Here is how St. Louis compares to other cities on the costs that matter most to military families, and why your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) goes further here than at most duty stations.
Housing Costs: Where St. Louis Stands Out
Housing is usually the biggest line item in any family budget, and this is where St. Louis gives military buyers a clear advantage.
According to Redfin, the median home sale price in St. Louis County was roughly $250,000 as of early 2026. Compare that to the national median of about $405,000 reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and HUD for Q4 2025, and the savings become clear. Here is a snapshot of how St. Louis's median home prices stack up against other popular military and metro areas:
- St. Louis Metro: ~$250,000
- **Chicago: **~$350,000
- Denver: ~$550,000
- Austin: ~$450,000
- **Los Angeles: **~$900,000+
For a military family relocating from a high-cost area like Denver or Southern California, purchasing a home in St. Louis could mean spending half as much or less while still enjoying a major metro lifestyle with professional sports, world-class parks, and a thriving food scene.
This affordability is especially powerful for first-time buyers, families using their VA Loan benefit, and service members looking to build long-term wealth through real estate.
BAH at Scott AFB: Your Housing Dollar Goes Further
Scott Air Force Base sits about 25 miles east of downtown St. Louis in the Metro-East region of southern Illinois. The base is home to U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command and employs roughly 12,000 military and civilian personnel.
For 2026, BAH rates at Scott AFB increased by 5.9 percent, which was one of the higher jumps among Air Force installations this year, according to Military.com. An E-5 with dependents receives about $1,542 per month, while an O-3 with dependents receives about $2,208 per month.
Because the Metro-East area's cost of living runs well below the national average, many families find that their BAH comfortably covers a mortgage payment with room left over for savings. That is not something you can say at most major installations.
If you are PCSing to Scott AFB and want to learn more about homebuying timelines, check out the VeteranPCS guide on preparing for a PCS move.
Ready to see what your BAH can buy near Scott AFB? Connect with a VeteranPCS agent who knows the Metro-East market inside and out.
Rent Prices: Savings for Families Not Ready to Buy
Renters also benefit from St. Louis affordability. Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the St. Louis area typically runs around $1,300, which is well below what you would pay in Chicago, Denver, Austin, or coastal cities where two-bedroom apartments can easily exceed $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
For military families who prefer to rent during a shorter assignment or want to get the lay of the land before buying, this means more money in your pocket each month. If you are weighing whether to rent or buy, understanding how a zero-down VA Loan works can help you make an informed decision.
Everyday Living Costs
Housing is not the only area where St. Louis is affordable. Compared with many large metropolitan areas, the region generally has lower grocery costs, more affordable transportation, budget-friendly dining and entertainment, and lower parking expenses downtown and near popular attractions.
