B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
44%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Ballwin Missouri National
Cost of living11190100
Groceries9596100
Health care9897100
Housing14477100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9595100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ballwin, MO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Ballwin? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Ballwin stands at 111, making it 11% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Ballwin cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 44.5% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Ballwin Affordable?

Is Ballwin affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Ballwin, for instance, where the median home price falls 53.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 22.7% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Ballwin flaunting a median household income of $146,973, 80.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ballwin?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Ballwin, the utilities index registers at 4.7% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Ballwin, the housing index stands at 44.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Ballwin are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ballwin is 22% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Ballwin is 11% higher than the national average
  • Ballwin housing is 44% higher than the national average
  • Missouri general sales tax is 17% lower than the national average
  • Missouri state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Ballwin

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Compare Ballwin, MO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$165,459$13,788$3,860$4,964
      Renters$77,459$6,455$1,807$2,324
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Ballwin is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Ballwin has a median income of about $165,459 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,860 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $77,459. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,807 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Missouri Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Missouri 4.225% 10.85%

      Missouri Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Missouri 2% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Defiance, MO70964.3%
      Champ, MO3964.1%
      Peaceful Village, MO956931.1%
      Kinloch, MO3447920.8%
      Wellston, MO1,9588118.8%
      Ballwin, MO31,12311110.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Royalton, OH31,1181010.6%
      Madison Heights, MI31,139936.7%
      Santa Paula, CA31,10114242.2%
      Milford Mill, MD31,14911313.3%
      San Lorenzo, CA31,09416969.4%
      Ballwin, MO31,12311110.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.