Cost of Living in St. James, MO

With a cost of living index of 66, St. James, MO is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 8% below the Missouri state average of 75. St. James is a small community of 3,922 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in St. James's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $814 (38% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $117,200 (62% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in St. James is $50,644, which is 33% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.