A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
45%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bellefontaine Neighbors Missouri National
Cost of living8490100
Groceries9996100
Health care9397100
Housing5577100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9695100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Understanding the cost of living in Bellefontaine Neighbors can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Bellefontaine Neighbors cost of living index is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Bellefontaine Neighbors stands out by reporting housing costs that are 45% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Bellefontaine Neighbors Affordable?

Is Bellefontaine Neighbors an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Bellefontaine Neighbors is 65.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 3.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bellefontaine Neighbors has a median household income of $62,379, which is 23.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bellefontaine Neighbors?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Bellefontaine Neighbors, the transportation index stands at 3.5% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Bellefontaine Neighbors cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bellefontaine Neighbors is 7% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Bellefontaine Neighbors is 16% lower than the national average
  • Bellefontaine Neighbors housing is 45% lower than the national average
  • Missouri general sales tax is 17% lower than the national average
  • Missouri state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bellefontaine Neighbors

See all the best places to live around Bellefontaine Neighbors

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$80,210$6,684$1,871$2,407
      Renters$38,788$3,232$905$1,164
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, the median monthly income is $80,210 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,871 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $38,788, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $905 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 2% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Champ, MO3964.1%
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Alorton, IL2,1497822.3%
      East Carondelet, IL3307822.2%
      Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO10,6558416.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Barrington, IL10,65613837.8%
      Miami Shores, FL10,65314848.2%
      Portage, WI10,657946.4%
      Gig Harbor, WA10,65915049.6%
      Grey Highlands, ON10,659n/a 
      Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO10,6558416.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.