Looking for a Place to Rent in St. Louis? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re searching for a rental in St. Louis, you’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of housing options available—apartments, rental houses, condos, mobile homes, and more.
With so many choices, how do you decide which one is right for you?
One of the most common decisions renters face is whether to rent an apartment or a house. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, depending on your budget, lifestyle, and needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of renting an apartment vs. renting a house in St. Louis to help you make the best decision for your next home.
Renting an Apartment in St. Louis: Pros & Cons
Apartments in St. Louis range from high-end luxury buildings with modern amenities to basic budget-friendly units that offer just the essentials.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when renting an apartment.
✅ Pros of Renting an Apartment
✔ Lower Rent Costs – Generally, renting an apartment is more affordable than renting a house, especially when comparing similar square footage.
✔ Included Services & Utilities – Some apartments include water, trash, or even internet and cable in the rent, reducing your monthly expenses.
✔ Maintenance is Covered – Landlords and property managers handle repairs, lawn care, and maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about fixing leaky faucets or mowing the lawn.
✔ More Availability – Finding an apartment in St. Louis is often easier than finding a rental house, as there are usually more units available.
✔ Amenities & Perks – Many apartment complexes offer pools, gyms, clubhouses, security, and recreational areas, giving you added value.
✔ Shared Wi-Fi Possibilities – In some cases, you might even be able to pick up free Wi-Fi from a neighbor (though you should always have your own secure connection!).
❌ Cons of Renting an Apartment
🚫 Less Privacy – Apartments share walls, ceilings, and floors with other units, meaning you may have neighbors on three sides.
🚫 Limited Outdoor Space – Most apartments don’t come with a yard, or if they do, it’s usually very small.
🚫 Parking Challenges – If you live in an apartment complex with shared parking, you might have to deal with crowded lots, limited spaces, or even parking dings from neighbors.
🚫 Stairs & Accessibility Issues – If you rent an upstairs unit, moving in and out can be a hassle—especially if you have large furniture.
🚫 Noise Levels – Apartments can get noisy, depending on how thin the walls are and how respectful your neighbors are.
Renting a House in St. Louis: Pros & Cons
If you’re looking for more space, privacy, and a true home feel, renting a house might be a better fit for you.
Here’s what you need to consider.
✅ Pros of Renting a House
✔ More Space & Privacy – Houses generally offer more square footage, private yards, and no shared walls, giving you more breathing room.
✔ Feels More Like a Home – Renting a house provides a more stable, home-like experience compared to apartment living.
✔ Better Neighborhood Atmosphere – Residential neighborhoods tend to feel more welcoming and family-friendly compared to apartment complexes.
✔ Less Noise from Neighbors – Since you don’t share walls, you’ll likely enjoy a quieter living environment than in an apartment.
✔ Some Utilities May Be Covered – Depending on the landlord, water, trash, or even lawn care may be included in the rent.
❌ Cons of Renting a House
🚫 Higher Rent Costs – Houses usually cost more than apartments of similar size, as you’re paying for extra privacy and space.
🚫 Higher Security Deposits – Landlords may require larger deposits compared to apartment leases.
🚫 More Maintenance Responsibilities – Tenants in rental houses may be responsible for small repairs, lawn care, or general upkeep, depending on the lease terms.
🚫 Fewer Options Available – There are fewer rental houses than apartments, making it harder to find the perfect home.
Should You Rent a House or an Apartment in St. Louis?
At the end of the day, the best option depends on your personal needs, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
📌 Choose an Apartment If You Want:
✔ A lower monthly rent
✔ Amenities like a pool, gym, or security
✔ Less responsibility for maintenance
✔ More rental options to choose from
📌 Choose a House If You Want:
✔ More privacy and space
✔ A private yard or outdoor area
✔ A home-like atmosphere
✔ A quieter neighborhood setting
If you’re still unsure, consider a third option—a rent-to-own home in St. Louis!
The Third Option: Rent-to-Own Homes in St. Louis
If you like the idea of owning a home but aren’t ready for a traditional mortgage, a rent-to-own home could be the perfect middle ground between renting and buying.
How Does Rent-to-Own Work?
🏡 You rent a home for a set period (1-3 years) with the option to purchase it later.
💰 A portion of your rent may go toward the future purchase of the home.
📈 You lock in today’s home price while working on your finances and credit.
🚪 At the end of the lease, you can buy the home or walk away—no obligation to buy!
If you’re interested in exploring rent-to-own homes in St. Louis, we can help!
Find Rent-to-Own Homes in St. Louis Today!
🏡 Browse available rent-to-own homes here.
📞 Call us at (888) 703-1876 to learn more!
📝 Fill out our form today to join our rent-to-own home list!