Ballwin, MO vs Clayton, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ballwin is 29.9% cheaper than Clayton. With a cost index of 104 vs 149, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ballwin to Clayton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ballwin is $1,386/month compared to $1,648/month in Clayton — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ballwin is more affordable at $353,400 median vs $799,200.

Median household income in Ballwin is $121,170 compared to $128,898 in Clayton (-6%). Clayton does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ballwin spend roughly 13.7% of their income on rent, less than the 15.3% in Clayton.