A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 living8990100
Groceries9996100
Health care9597100
Housing6977100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9895100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fulton, MO

Understanding the cost of living in Fulton 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 Fulton cost of living index is 89, which is 11% 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.

Is Fulton Affordable?

Is Fulton 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 Fulton, the median home price is 31.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 30.2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Fulton come in at $69,607, which is 14.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fulton?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Fulton comes in at 2.7% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Fulton, is 31% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Fulton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

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 11% 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, MO4447722.7%
      Mokane, MO4008317.1%
      Auxvasse, MO1,2548515.5%
      New Bloomfield, MO7738713.2%
      Holts Summit, MO4,929919.0%
      Fulton, MO13,1858911.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lachute, QC13,184n/a 
      South Sioux City, NE13,1878910.6%
      Tiny, ON13,182n/a 
      Harrison, OH13,180946.0%
      Panama City Beach, FL13,19011616.0%
      Fulton, MO13,1858911.2%
      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.