A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Fulton Missouri National
Cost of living8788100
Groceries9796100
Health care100100100
Housing6977100
Transportation9087100
Utilities9492100
Lifestyle & Entertainmentn/an/an/a
Household Itemsn/an/an/a
Education & Childcaren/an/an/a
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fulton, MO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Fulton 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 Fulton is 87, which is 13% 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 Fulton Affordable?

Is Fulton 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 Fulton is 31.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 30.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Fulton has a median household income of $69,607, which is 14.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fulton?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Fulton, the groceries index is 3.1% 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 Fulton, the housing index is 31% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fulton cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fulton is 2% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Fulton is 13% lower than the national average
  • Fulton housing is 31% 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 Fulton

See all the best places to live around Fulton

Compare Fulton, 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$108,303$9,025$2,527$3,249
      Renters$46,513$3,876$1,085$1,396
      The affordability of the housing market in Fulton, MO as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Fulton homeowners, the median income is $108,303. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,527 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $46,513. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,085 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Chamois, MO4447624.0%
      Mokane, MO4008218.4%
      Auxvasse, MO1,2548217.7%
      New Bloomfield, MO7738614.5%
      Holts Summit, MO4,9299010.3%
      Fulton, MO13,1858713.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lachute, QC13,184n/a 
      South Sioux City, NE13,1878713.2%
      Tiny, ON13,182n/a 
      Harrison, OH13,180973.1%
      Panama City Beach, FL13,1901088.2%
      Fulton, MO13,1858713.4%
      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.