Cost of Living in Charleston, MO

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18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
54%
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 Charleston Missouri National
Cost of living8290100
Groceries9796100
Health care9697100
Housing4677100
Transportation9996100
Utilities9895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9695100
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Homes For Sale In Charleston, MO

property for sale

230 Swank St

Charleston, MO
property for sale

217 Hunter St

Charleston, MO
property for sale

115 W Tom Brown St

Charleston, MO
property for sale

502 E Commercial St

Charleston, MO
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Charleston, MO

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Charleston is 10% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Charleston is 18% lower than the national average
  • Charleston housing is 54% 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 Charleston

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Compare Charleston, 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
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$63,365$5,280$1,478$1,901
      Renters$19,441$1,620$454$583
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Charleston, 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 Charleston, the median monthly income is $63,365 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,478 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $19,441, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $454 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.
      Pinhook, MO0973.0%
      Lambert, MO27973.0%
      Mounds, IL9477524.9%
      Wilson City, MO247624.0%
      Mound City, IL8037623.6%
      Charleston, MO5,6918218.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Waterford, WI5,6911033.2%
      Tracyton, WA5,69212121.4%
      Salida, CO5,68812424.4%
      Weldon Spring, MO5,68813232.2%
      Orchard Homes, MT5,68811716.7%
      Charleston, MO5,6918218.4%
      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.
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