B
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Fort Leonard Wood Missouri National
Cost of living10790100
Groceries9896100
Health care9997100
Housing13377100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9295100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fort Leonard Wood, MO

The cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood 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 Fort Leonard Wood is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Fort Leonard Wood, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 32.8% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Fort Leonard Wood Affordable?

Is Fort Leonard Wood 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 Fort Leonard Wood, the median home price is 100% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 32.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Fort Leonard Wood boasting a median household income of $86,806, 6.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fort Leonard Wood?

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 Fort Leonard Wood, the transportation index stands at 5.2% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Fort Leonard Wood, the general sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and income tax rates begin at 2%.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Fort Leonard Wood, healthcare costs are 1.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fort Leonard Wood 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 Fort Leonard Wood is 18% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood is 7% higher than the national average
  • Fort Leonard Wood housing is 33% higher 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 Fort Leonard Wood

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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$0$0$0$0
      Renters$86,510$7,209$2,018$2,596
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Fort Leonard Wood, 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 Fort Leonard Wood, the median monthly income is $0 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $0 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $86,510, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,018 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.
      Newburg, MO2977623.7%
      Richland, MO2,4558317.5%
      Plato, MO598812.5%
      Waynesville, MO5,458973.3%
      St. Robert, MO6,320972.6%
      Fort Leonard Wood, MO15,0801077.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ferndale, WA15,07012726.5%
      Callaway, FL15,068990.7%
      Spring Creek, NV15,06811414.2%
      California, MD15,09412525.3%
      Whitewater, WI15,063964.0%
      Fort Leonard Wood, MO15,0801077.0%
      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.