A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
13%
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 Gladstone Missouri National
Cost of living9390100
Groceries9796100
Health care9797100
Housing8777100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9595100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gladstone, MO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Gladstone? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Gladstone stands at 93, making it 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Gladstone are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Gladstone can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Gladstone Affordable?

Is Gladstone 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 Gladstone, the median home price is 17.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 3.2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Gladstone come in at $94,380, which is 16% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gladstone?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Gladstone starts at 4.225% and the income tax rates start at 2%.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Gladstone, the transportation index is 4.2% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Gladstone shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gladstone is 3% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Gladstone is 7% lower than the national average
  • Gladstone housing is 13% 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 Gladstone

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Compare Gladstone, 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$110,268$9,189$2,573$3,308
      Renters$66,169$5,514$1,544$1,985
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Gladstone, 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 Gladstone, the median monthly income is $110,268 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,573 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $66,169, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,544 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.
      River Bend, MO9963.7%
      Mosby, MO1128217.8%
      Ferrelview, MO6228218.1%
      Randolph, MO298415.8%
      Missouri City, MO5258416.3%
      Gladstone, MO28,101936.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Citrus Park, FL28,08511717.4%
      Plum, PA28,078991.5%
      Millville, NJ28,1341066.2%
      Wakefield, MA28,06115857.8%
      Lake Jackson, TX28,0601033.5%
      Gladstone, MO28,101936.5%
      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.