A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
33%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Lemay Missouri National
Cost of living8688100
Goods & Services9292100
Groceries9795100
Health care8990100
Housing6778100
Transportation9491100
Utilities10299100

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 86, which is 14% 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? 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 Lemay, for instance, where the median home price falls 40.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13.6% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Lemay flaunting a median household income of $49,628, 10.3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lemay?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Lemay, the transportation index is 6.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Lemay, the housing index is 32.6% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Lemay, the utilities index stands at 1.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lemay cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lemay is 3% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Lemay is 14% lower than the national average
  • Lemay housing is 33% 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

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Compare Lemay, MO Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$54,125$4,510$1,263$1,624
      Renters$41,624$3,469$971$1,249
      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 $54,125. Using that number, a maximum of $1,263 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $41,624, which means there is a maximum of $971 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Lemay National avg. Difference
      Haircut $21.19$24.2612.7%
      Beauty Salon $40.57$45.5611.0%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.3%
      Shampoo $1.11$1.2813.3%
      Movie $11.28$12.137.1%
      Bowling $16.92$18.006.0%

      Groceries

      Item Lemay National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.40$5.849.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.36$1.5713.3%
      Milk $4.50$4.673.7%
      Potatoes $5.28$4.936.9%
      Pizza $10.84$12.0910.3%
      Beer $9.47$10.419.1%

      Health Care

      Item Lemay National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $125.72$125.680.0%
      Doctor $124.51$135.788.3%
      Dentist $100.78$113.2911.0%
      Ibuprofen $10.14$10.654.8%
      Lipitor $520.16$468.6011.0%

      Housing

      Item Lemay National avg. Difference
      Home Price $109,400.00$184,700.0040.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,737.43$2,346.6926.0%
      Apartment Rent $820.00$949.0013.6%

      Transportation

      Item Lemay National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.20$3.467.6%
      Tire Balancing $50.00$59.9216.6%

      Utilities

      Item Lemay National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $133.84$193.9931.0%
      Phone $188.69$192.251.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Paderborn, IL65945.9%
      Floraville, IL30945.9%
      Champ, MO3945.9%
      Peaceful Village, MO926732.5%
      Brooklyn, IL4287327.0%
      Lemay, MO16,5658613.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Country Club Hills, IL16,564991.3%
      Mercedes, TX16,5617327.0%
      Republic, MO16,5718614.2%
      Aberdeen, WA16,5711033.0%
      Abington, MA16,55714040.2%
      Lemay, MO16,5658613.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.