| Index | Affton | Missouri | National |
| Cost of living | 94 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 88 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 92 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 95 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Affton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Affton cost of living index is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Affton are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Affton can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Affton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Affton, for example, the median home price is 13.3% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 10.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Affton boasting a median household income of $101,192, which is 24.4% higher than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Affton, is 12.5% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Affton starts at 4.225% and the income tax rates start at 2%.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.
The cost of living data for Affton shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $117,236 | $9,770 | $2,735 | $3,517 |
| Renters | $57,529 | $4,794 | $1,342 | $1,726 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Missouri | 4.225% | 10.85% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Missouri | 2% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Floraville, IL | 31 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Champ, MO | 3 | 96 | 4.1% |
| Peaceful Village, MO | 95 | 69 | 31.1% |
| Brooklyn, IL | 445 | 74 | 26.2% |
| East St. Louis, IL | 27,033 | 77 | 22.5% |
| Affton, MO | 19,993 | 94 | 6.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Matteson, IL | 19,990 | 102 | 2.2% |
| Murray, KY | 19,988 | 93 | 7.2% |
| Johnstown, PA | 19,980 | 79 | 21.3% |
| Evergreen Park, IL | 19,979 | 105 | 4.7% |
| South Burlington, VT | 20,010 | 123 | 23.1% |
| Affton, MO | 19,993 | 94 | 6.3% |