Clayton, MO

Very High · 171

Missouri · Population 17,282 · Updated March 2026

$1,648
Median Rent / Month
$128,898
Median Income
$799,200
Median Home Value
$2,064
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Clayton

15.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Missouri

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.95%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.225%
Sales Tax
0.93%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$19,776
Annual Rent
$6,380
State Income Tax
$7,433
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Clayton has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 171 (where 100 equals the national median), Clayton residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,648/month while earning a median household income of $128,898/year.

The median home value in Clayton, MO is $799,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,064 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Missouri has a moderate income tax rate of 4.95%. Combined with a 4.225% sales tax rate and 0.93% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Clayton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Clayton

What is the cost of living in Clayton, MO?
The cost of living index in Clayton, MO is 171 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,648, median household income is $128,898/year, and the median home value is $799,200.
Is Clayton, MO affordable?
No, Clayton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 171. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Clayton, MO?
The median gross rent in Clayton, MO is $1,648 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,776.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, MO is $128,898 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Missouri?
Missouri has a top income tax rate of 4.95%, a sales tax of 4.225%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.93%.