Clayton, MO vs Jefferson City, MO

The cost of living difference between Clayton, MO and Jefferson City, MO is dramatic. Jefferson City is 109.9% cheaper than Clayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clayton has a cost index of 149 while Jefferson City sits at 71, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Clayton is $1,648/month compared to $766/month in Jefferson City — a 115% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Jefferson City is more affordable at $208,000 median vs $799,200.

Median household income in Clayton is $128,898 compared to $67,205 in Jefferson City (+91.8%). The higher salaries in Clayton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 13.7% in Jefferson City.