Cost of Living in Arnold, MO

With a cost of living index of 83, Arnold, MO is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 9% above the Missouri state average of 75. Arnold is a smaller community of 20,884 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Arnold's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,085 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $209,700 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Arnold is $75,194, which is 0% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Arnold. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.5°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 35°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches spread over roughly 117 days.

Everyday prices in the St. Louis, MO-IL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.