| Index | University City | Missouri | National |
| Cost of living | 108 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 133 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 99 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 95 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in University City 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 University City cost of living index is 108, which is 8% higher 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.
The cost of living in University City aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. University City residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in University City, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 33.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.
Is University City 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 University City, for instance, where the median home price falls 41.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with University City flaunting a median household income of $97,078, 19.4% higher than the national norm.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In University City, the transportation index stands at 4.8% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In University City, the healthcare costs are 1.8% lower than the national average.
Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In University City, the housing index is 33.2% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for University City 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 | $153,313 | $12,776 | $3,577 | $4,600 |
| Renters | $72,965 | $6,080 | $1,702 | $2,189 |
| 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. |
| 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% |
| Alorton, IL | 2,149 | 78 | 22.3% |
| University City, MO | 35,356 | 108 | 8.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Moose Jaw, SK | 35,355 | n/a | |
| Dakota Ridge, CO | 35,381 | 136 | 35.8% |
| Socorro, TX | 35,313 | 87 | 12.5% |
| McMinnville, OR | 35,403 | 115 | 15.5% |
| Georgetown, KY | 35,429 | 96 | 3.6% |
| University City, MO | 35,356 | 108 | 8.0% |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Missouri
These are the largest cities in Missouri
Most Dangerous Cities In The US