Imperial, MO vs Lemay, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lemay is 25.5% cheaper than Imperial. With a cost index of 71 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lemay to Imperial should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Imperial is $1,255/month compared to $879/month in Lemay — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lemay is more affordable at $139,100 median vs $221,900.

Median household income in Imperial is $87,949 compared to $59,026 in Lemay (+49%). While Imperial is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Imperial spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.9% in Lemay.