Cost of Living in Berkeley, MO
Population 8,149 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $40,654, median household incomes in Berkeley land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 34% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 9 miles northwest of St. Louis, Berkeley falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Berkeley
The median home value in Berkeley is $80,000 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,075/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,654/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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, Berkeley has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Berkeley has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Berkeley, MO?
Berkeley has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Berkeley, MO?
The median gross rent in Berkeley is $1,075 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley is $80,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley is $40,654 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Berkeley, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berkeley is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Berkeley, MO affordable?
Yes, Berkeley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Berkeley at a Glance
- Population
- 8,149
- Median Income
- $40,654
- Home Value
- $80,000
- Median Rent
- $1,075/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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