Cost of Living in Westwood, MO

With a cost of living index of 215, Westwood, MO is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 115% more expensive than the national average and 140% above the Missouri state average of 75. Westwood is a small community of 293 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Westwood's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $3,250 (146% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $1,015,600 (233% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Westwood is $231,667, which is 208% 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. While incomes are above average, they more than 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.