Cost of Living in Murphy, MO
Population 8,566 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Murphy can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $178,000 against $73,373 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Located 15 miles southwest of St. Louis, Murphy falls within that metro's commuting orbit. 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 Murphy
The median home value in Murphy is $177,500 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $961/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,373/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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, Murphy has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Murphy 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Murphy, MO?
Murphy has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Murphy, MO?
The median gross rent in Murphy is $961 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Murphy?
The median home value in Murphy is $177,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Murphy?
The median household income in Murphy is $73,373 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Murphy, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Murphy is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Murphy, MO affordable?
Yes, Murphy is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
Murphy at a Glance
- Population
- 8,566
- Median Income
- $73,373
- Home Value
- $177,500
- Median Rent
- $961/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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