Cost of Living in Chaffee, MO

Population 3,039 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Chaffee run well below national norms — a median of $41,024 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $121,000).

Chaffee lies roughly 105 miles south of the nearest major metro, St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 40
Rent 54

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

About the Cost of Living in Chaffee

The median home value in Chaffee is $120,900 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $713/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,024/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, above 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, Chaffee has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$120,900
60% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$111,958
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$713/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$623
1 BR
$668
2 BR
$826
3 BR
$1,142
4 BR
$1,311
Owner-occupied 65.3%
Renter-occupied 34.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$713
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,327/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
22.5 min
17% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.3%
Carpooled
18.4%
Work from home
3.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 4.1%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$41,024
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,213
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
18% above avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Labor Force Participation
62.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.4%
Graduate degree 8.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.3
Male median age 35.4
Female median age 44.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.0°F
Avg Low
47.5°F
Annual Precip
47.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434858697887898882715746
Low °F 263037475866696658463730
Precip" 3.513.314.695.185.273.803.873.233.613.574.253.62

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
2
Public schools
672
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chaffee, MO?

Chaffee has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Chaffee, MO?

The median gross rent in Chaffee is $713 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chaffee?

The median home value in Chaffee is $120,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Chaffee?

The median household income in Chaffee is $41,024 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chaffee, MO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chaffee is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Chaffee, MO affordable?

Yes, Chaffee is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Chaffee?

Chaffee 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.

Chaffee at a Glance

Population
3,039
Median Income
$41,024
Home Value
$120,900
Median Rent
$713/mo
Unemployment
5.7%
Avg High Temp
68.0°F
Sales Tax
8.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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