Clayton, MO vs Wildwood, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wildwood is 24.2% cheaper than Clayton. With a cost index of 120 vs 149, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wildwood to Clayton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clayton is $1,648/month compared to $1,575/month in Wildwood — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wildwood is more affordable at $472,800 median vs $799,200.

Median household income in Clayton is $128,898 compared to $157,750 in Wildwood (-18.3%). Wildwood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 12% in Wildwood.