A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Bolivar Missouri National
Cost of living8990100
Groceries9596100
Health care9397100
Housing7477100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare10095100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bolivar, MO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Bolivar is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Bolivar is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Is Bolivar Affordable?

Is Bolivar an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Bolivar, the median home price is 26.6% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 25.7% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Bolivar come in at $55,520, which is 31.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bolivar?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Bolivar, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Bolivar, healthcare costs are 6.9% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Bolivar, the housing index is 26.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bolivar 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 Bolivar is 2% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Bolivar is 11% lower than the national average
  • Bolivar housing is 26% 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 Bolivar

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Compare Bolivar, MO Cost of Living

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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$74,345$6,195$1,735$2,231
      Renters$38,726$3,227$904$1,162
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Bolivar is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Bolivar has a median income of about $74,345 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,735 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $38,726. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $904 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Goodnight, MO12954.6%
      Flemington, MO737227.7%
      Humansville, MO1,4387921.3%
      Fair Play, MO5448119.3%
      Halfway, MO1438118.9%
      Bolivar, MO11,4218911.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Plano, IL11,4221022.2%
      Selkirk, MB11,428n/a 
      Satellite Beach, FL11,43112626.4%
      Weddington, NC11,40914847.8%
      Kaneohe Station, HI11,40417171.5%
      Bolivar, MO11,4218911.1%
      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.