Cost of Living in St. Marys, GA

Population 18,805 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

87
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

St. Marys is a smaller Georgia community of around 19000 residents, where median household incomes of $67,271 and housing costs ($259,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, St. Marys is about 30 miles north of Jacksonville, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Jacksonville's $266,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 85
Rent 89

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in St. Marys

The median home value in St. Marys is $259,300 — 15% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,171/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,271/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, St. Marys has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$259,300
15% below avg
Median Rent
$1,171/mo
11% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 55.2%
Renter-occupied 44.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,171
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,785/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.2 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.1%
Carpooled
9.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
1.7%
Bicycle
1.4%
Work from home
11.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$67,271
10% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,958
Unemployment Rate
8.6%
78% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.4%
Labor Force Participation
57.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.0%
Graduate degree 9.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.6
Male median age 30.7
Female median age 35.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Marys, GA?

St. Marys has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in St. Marys, GA?

The median gross rent in St. Marys is $1,171 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in St. Marys?

The median home value in St. Marys is $259,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in St. Marys?

The median household income in St. Marys is $67,271 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in St. Marys, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Marys is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is St. Marys, GA affordable?

Yes, St. Marys is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.

St. Marys at a Glance

Population
18,805
Median Income
$67,271
Home Value
$259,300
Median Rent
$1,171/mo
Unemployment
8.6%
Sales Tax
7.3%
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