A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Lemay Missouri National
Cost of living8890100
Groceries9696100
Health care9797100
Housing6977100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9995100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9695100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lemay, MO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Lemay is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Lemay is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Is Lemay Affordable?

Is Lemay affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Lemay, the median home price is 38.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Lemay boasting a median household income of $74,947, 7.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lemay?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Lemay, the transportation index is 1.9% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Lemay, the housing index comes in at 30.7% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Lemay comes in at 1.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lemay cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lemay is 2% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Lemay is 12% lower than the national average
  • Lemay housing is 31% lower 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 Lemay

See all the best places to live around Lemay

Compare Lemay, 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$82,068$6,839$1,915$2,462
      Renters$61,755$5,146$1,441$1,853
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Lemay, MO, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Lemay, homeowners have a median income of $82,068. Using that number, a maximum of $1,915 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $61,755, which means there is a maximum of $1,441 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Paderborn, IL68991.4%
      Floraville, IL31991.4%
      Champ, MO3964.1%
      Peaceful Village, MO956931.1%
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      Lemay, MO17,0568811.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Highland Park, VA17,051990.9%
      Madison, NJ17,04818079.6%
      Selwyn, ON17,047n/a 
      Ham Lake, MN17,04611817.6%
      Seagoville, TX17,072973.1%
      Lemay, MO17,0568811.8%
      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.