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Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau County

Is it better to rent or buy in Cape Girardeau County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$68,981
$919/mo

Median in area: $919

$213,172

Median in area: $213,172

$42,634

If you Rent

🔑
$1,120 /mo
Base Rent$919
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income19.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,628

If you Buy

🏠
$1,576 /mo
P&I (7.184%)$1,156
Taxes & Ins$219
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income27.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,173

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Cape Girardeau County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyAlexander County, IL
$701/mo
countyUnion County, IL
$678/mo
countyScott County, MO
$858/mo
countyBollinger County, MO
$691/mo
countyPerry County, MO
$870/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Cape Girardeau County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Cape Girardeau County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,120, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,576 per month (a difference of $456).

How much do utilities cost in Cape Girardeau County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Cape Girardeau County is approximately $201. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Cape Girardeau County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Cape Girardeau County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $44,800 per year.