Cost of Living in Festus, MO
Population 12,965 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Festus stay well under national norms: a median home value of $206,000 against median household incomes of $70,085 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Missouri. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Festus is about 30 miles south of St. Louis, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Festus
The median home value in Festus is $206,200 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $935/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,085/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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%. Overall, Festus has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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 Festus, MO?
Festus has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Festus, MO?
The median gross rent in Festus is $935 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Festus?
The median home value in Festus is $206,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Festus?
The median household income in Festus is $70,085 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Festus, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Festus is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Festus, MO affordable?
Yes, Festus is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
Festus at a Glance
- Population
- 12,965
- Median Income
- $70,085
- Home Value
- $206,200
- Median Rent
- $935/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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