A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
39%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Lebanon Missouri National
Cost of living8188100
Goods & Services8992100
Groceries9495100
Health care9590100
Housing6178100
Transportation9091100
Utilities8099100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Lebanon, MO

The cost of living in Lebanon affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Lebanon is 81, which is 19% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday essentials such as clothing, personal hygiene products and entertainment all contribute to your overall cost of living. The good news is that in Lebanon, these goods and services come in at 10.6% less than the national average. This means you can enjoy the things you need and love without breaking the bank. With such savings, you have the opportunity to allocate more funds towards your savings or other financial goals, ultimately enhancing your financial well-being.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Lebanon?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 7 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Lebanon and this is how they responded. 29% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 71% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Lebanon Affordable?

Is Lebanon affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Lebanon, the median home price is 43.1% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 29.4% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Lebanon boasting a median household income of $41,160, 25.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lebanon?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Lebanon, is 39% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Lebanon, the groceries index is 5.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lebanon cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lebanon is 9% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Lebanon is 19% lower than the national average
  • Lebanon housing is 39% lower than the national average
  • Missouri general sales tax is 17% lower than the national average
  • Missouri state income tax is 34% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lebanon

See all the best places to live around Lebanon

Compare Lebanon, MO Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$55,295$4,608$1,290$1,659
      Renters$28,036$2,336$654$841
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Lebanon, MO, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Lebanon, the median monthly income is $55,295 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,290 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $28,036, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $654 on monthly rental expenses.

      Missouri Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Missouri 4.225% 10.85%

      Missouri Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Missouri 1.5% 5.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item Lebanon National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.90$24.2613.9%
      Beauty Salon $43.40$45.564.7%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.2%
      Shampoo $1.43$1.2811.9%
      Movie $11.45$12.135.7%
      Bowling $20.06$18.0011.5%

      Groceries

      Item Lebanon National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.93$5.841.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.37$1.5712.7%
      Milk $4.65$4.670.5%
      Potatoes $4.78$4.933.1%
      Pizza $10.93$12.099.6%
      Beer $9.53$10.418.5%

      Health Care

      Item Lebanon National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $87.72$125.6830.2%
      Doctor $89.65$135.7834.0%
      Dentist $114.22$113.290.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.47$10.651.7%
      Lipitor $495.14$468.605.7%

      Housing

      Item Lebanon National avg. Difference
      Home Price $105,100.00$184,700.0043.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,859.59$2,346.6920.8%
      Apartment Rent $670.00$949.0029.4%

      Transportation

      Item Lebanon National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.49$3.460.8%
      Tire Balancing $45.32$59.9224.4%

      Utilities

      Item Lebanon National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $193.72$193.990.1%
      Phone $200.43$192.254.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Evergreen, MO1038910.7%
      Bennett Springs, MO1718910.7%
      Conway, MO7097624.1%
      Phillipsburg, MO1777623.7%
      Stoutland, MO2387722.9%
      Lebanon, MO14,7358119.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      California, MD14,73012424.2%
      Lamont, CA14,7241055.0%
      West Nipissing / Nipissing Ouest, ON14,724n/a 
      Bradley Gardens, NJ14,71414848.3%
      Whitewater, WI14,7621011.0%
      Lebanon, MO14,7358119.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.