Cost of Living in Arnold, MO
Population 20,884 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Arnold can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $210,000 against $75,194 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Located 15 miles southwest of St. Louis, Arnold falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Arnold
The median home value in Arnold is $209,700 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,085/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,194/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Arnold has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Arnold, MO?
Arnold has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Arnold, MO?
The median gross rent in Arnold is $1,085 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Arnold?
The median home value in Arnold is $209,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Arnold?
The median household income in Arnold is $75,194 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Arnold, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Arnold is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Arnold, MO affordable?
Yes, Arnold is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Arnold at a Glance
- Population
- 20,884
- Median Income
- $75,194
- Home Value
- $209,700
- Median Rent
- $1,085/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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