Cost of Living in Sunset Hills, MO

With a cost of living index of 181, Sunset Hills, MO is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 81% more expensive than the national average and 106% above the Missouri state average of 75. Sunset Hills is a smaller community of 9,113 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Sunset Hills's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $3,454 (162% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $522,300 (71% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.9x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Sunset Hills is $133,895, which is 78% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

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.