Cost of Living in Clayton, MO
Population 17,282 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clayton's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $799,000 for a typical home, 162% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $128,898 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Clayton sits roughly 5 miles west of St. Louis. Median home values run roughly 332% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clayton
The median home value in Clayton is $799,200 — 162% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,648/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $128,898/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Clayton has a cost of living index of 207 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 107% more 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clayton, MO?
Clayton has a cost index of 207 (100 = national average). It is 107% above the national average.
What is average rent in Clayton, MO?
The median gross rent in Clayton is $1,648 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $799,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton is $128,898 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clayton, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clayton is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Clayton, MO affordable?
Clayton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 207 — about 107% higher than the national average.
Clayton at a Glance
- Population
- 17,282
- Median Income
- $128,898
- Home Value
- $799,200
- Median Rent
- $1,648/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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