Cost of Living in West Alton, MO

With a cost of living index of 86, West Alton, MO is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and 11% above the Missouri state average of 75. West Alton is a small community of 511 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in West Alton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,313 (0% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $156,300 (49% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in West Alton is $128,438, which is 71% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

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.