Essex, MO vs Lamar Heights, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Essex is 20.7% cheaper than Lamar Heights. With a cost index of 60 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Essex to Lamar Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Essex is $625/month compared to $754/month in Lamar Heights — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Essex is more affordable at $115,600 median vs $260,000.

Median household income in Essex is $63,854 compared to $38,958 in Lamar Heights (+63.9%). Essex offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex spend roughly 11.7% of their income on rent, less than the 23.2% in Lamar Heights.