D-
22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
83%
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 Chesterfield Missouri National
Cost of living12290100
Groceries9696100
Health care9597100
Housing18377100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9995100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Chesterfield, MO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Chesterfield? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Chesterfield stands at 122, making it 22% 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.

The cost of living in Chesterfield is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Chesterfield falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Chesterfield 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 83.1% 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 Chesterfield Affordable?

Wondering if Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield, for example, the median home price is 107.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 26.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Chesterfield boasting a median household income of $177,699, which is 118.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chesterfield?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Chesterfield, the groceries index is 4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Chesterfield, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and income tax rates kick off at 2%.

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 Chesterfield, is 83.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Chesterfield cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chesterfield is 35% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Chesterfield is 22% higher than the national average
  • Chesterfield housing is 83% 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 Chesterfield

See all the best places to live around Chesterfield

Compare Chesterfield, 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$200,194$16,683$4,671$6,006
      Renters$90,054$7,505$2,101$2,702
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield has a median income of about $200,194 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $4,671 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $90,054. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,101 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.
      Champ, MO3964.1%
      Defiance, MO70964.3%
      Peaceful Village, MO956931.1%
      Kinloch, MO3447920.8%
      Pagedale, MO3,4208317.2%
      Chesterfield, MO48,90212222.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Beavercreek, OH48,8761021.9%
      Mentor, OH48,930981.5%
      East Providence, RI48,8491088.4%
      Marana, AZ48,96711616.2%
      Shawinigan, QC48,810n/a 
      Chesterfield, MO48,90212222.4%
      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.