F
24%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
89%
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 Wildwood Missouri National
Cost of living12490100
Groceries9596100
Health care9797100
Housing18977100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9395100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9295100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wildwood, MO

Knowing the cost of living in Wildwood allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Wildwood stands at 124, marking it 24% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Wildwood 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, Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 88.7% 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 Wildwood Affordable?

Is Wildwood 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 Wildwood, for instance, where the median home price falls 110.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 37% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Wildwood flaunting a median household income of $202,820, 149.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wildwood?

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 Wildwood, the transportation index stands at 1.6% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Wildwood, the utilities index is 7.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Wildwood 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 Wildwood is 37% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Wildwood is 24% higher than the national average
  • Wildwood housing is 89% 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 Wildwood

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Compare Wildwood, 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$206,252$17,188$4,812$6,188
      Renters$93,894$7,825$2,191$2,817
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Wildwood 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. Wildwood has a median income of about $206,252 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $4,812 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $93,894. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,191 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%
      Lake Tekakwitha, MO2808217.6%
      Grayhawk, MO8018317.3%
      Wildwood, MO36,45512423.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tooele, UT36,4701065.7%
      La Vergne, TN36,4261022.0%
      La Porte, TX36,484982.0%
      Carrollwood, FL36,42411514.6%
      Richmond, IN36,4168415.6%
      Wildwood, MO36,45512423.6%
      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.