Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau, MO
Population 40,047 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Cape Girardeau lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $186,000 — 39% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Missouri. A poverty rate near 21% 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.
Cape Girardeau lies roughly 100 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with St. Louis' $185,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau
The median home value in Cape Girardeau is $186,100 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $855/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,870/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 68.0°F and lows of 47.5°F. Overall, Cape Girardeau has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 48 | 58 | 69 | 78 | 87 | 89 | 88 | 82 | 71 | 57 | 46 |
| Low °F | 26 | 30 | 37 | 47 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 66 | 58 | 46 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.51 | 3.31 | 4.69 | 5.18 | 5.27 | 3.80 | 3.87 | 3.23 | 3.61 | 3.57 | 4.25 | 3.62 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cape Girardeau, MO?
Cape Girardeau has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cape Girardeau, MO?
The median gross rent in Cape Girardeau is $855 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cape Girardeau?
The median home value in Cape Girardeau is $186,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cape Girardeau?
The median household income in Cape Girardeau is $54,870 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cape Girardeau, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cape Girardeau is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO affordable?
Yes, Cape Girardeau is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau has average high temperatures of 68.0°F and average lows of 47.5°F. Annual precipitation is 47.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cape Girardeau at a Glance
- Population
- 40,047
- Median Income
- $54,870
- Home Value
- $186,100
- Median Rent
- $855/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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