# STL vs. Metro East: 2026 Market Update

By Laura Dochwat (@lauradochwat) · Published 2026-10-30

Canonical: https://voce.com/@lauradochwat/stl-metro-east-2026-market-update-5xole4

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**As of July 2026, the St. Louis and Metro East real estate markets are moving at very different speeds.** St. Louis city homes sold at a median of $261,000 in June (city update), while the broader Metro East region on the Illinois side cleared for $235,000 in July — roughly 10% less for the same kind of house (Metro East update).

For buyers, that gap is the story: cross the river in Illinois and your dollar stretches further, especially in Madison County, where the median sold price sits near $187,500 (Madison County). However you have higher taxes. For sellers, Missouri's side rewards speed — well-priced city homes go to pending in about 11 median days.

Pro's and cons to both side. Its important to have your ducts in a row and be in the position to move forward on a property no matter what side you intend to reside on.