Cost of Living in Malden, MO
Population 3,818 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Malden's median household income of $38,786 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (24% here). At 10.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Malden lies roughly 105 miles north of the nearest major metro, Memphis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Malden
The median home value in Malden is $88,900 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $702/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,786/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.1%, 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, Malden has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% less expensive.
Malden 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Malden, MO?
Malden has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.
What is average rent in Malden, MO?
The median gross rent in Malden is $702 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Malden?
The median home value in Malden is $88,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Malden?
The median household income in Malden is $38,786 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Malden, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Malden is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Malden, MO affordable?
Yes, Malden is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.
Malden at a Glance
- Population
- 3,818
- Median Income
- $38,786
- Home Value
- $88,900
- Median Rent
- $702/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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