A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Jefferson City Missouri National
Cost of living9088100
Goods & Services9592100
Groceries9695100
Health care9390100
Housing8278100
Transportation9091100
Utilities9399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO

Understanding the cost of living in Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City cost of living index is 90, which is 10% 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.

The cost of living in Jefferson City aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Jefferson City residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Jefferson City Affordable?

Is Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City, the median home price is 12.6% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 31.2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Jefferson City come in at $54,003, which is 2.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jefferson City?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Jefferson City starts at 4.225% and the income tax rates start at 1.5%.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Jefferson City, the utilities index is 7% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Jefferson City displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Jefferson City Area
Search Homes for Sale in Jefferson City, MO

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jefferson City is 2% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Jefferson City is 10% lower than the national average
  • Jefferson City housing is 18% 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 Jefferson City

See all the best places to live around Jefferson City

Compare Jefferson City, MO Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Jefferson City?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Jefferson City?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Jefferson City poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$78,149$6,512$1,823$2,345
      Renters$32,864$2,739$767$986
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Jefferson City, MO, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Jefferson City, homeowners have a median income of $78,149. Using that number, a maximum of $1,823 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $32,864, which means there is a maximum of $767 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Jefferson City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $24.14$24.260.5%
      Beauty Salon $44.94$45.561.4%
      Toothpaste $3.76$3.701.6%
      Shampoo $1.05$1.2817.7%
      Movie $11.64$12.134.0%
      Bowling $16.11$18.0010.5%

      Groceries

      Item Jefferson City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.28$5.847.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.40$1.5711.0%
      Milk $4.66$4.670.3%
      Potatoes $4.70$4.934.7%
      Pizza $10.74$12.0911.1%
      Beer $9.14$10.4112.2%

      Health Care

      Item Jefferson City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $135.25$125.687.6%
      Doctor $141.87$135.784.5%
      Dentist $99.33$113.2912.3%
      Ibuprofen $10.20$10.654.2%
      Lipitor $369.77$468.6021.1%

      Housing

      Item Jefferson City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $161,400.00$184,700.0012.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,216.67$2,346.695.5%
      Apartment Rent $653.00$949.0031.2%

      Transportation

      Item Jefferson City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.24$3.466.3%
      Tire Balancing $47.66$59.9220.5%

      Utilities

      Item Jefferson City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $168.45$193.9913.2%
      Phone $197.21$192.252.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Centertown, MO3098416.4%
      Russellville, MO8328515.1%
      New Bloomfield, MO7558514.8%
      Hartsburg, MO1208614.4%
      Westphalia, MO4118812.0%
      Jefferson City, MO42,670909.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Farmers Branch, TX42,65911010.4%
      Mankato, MN42,685991.5%
      Langford, BC42,691n/a 
      Burlington, VT42,64512423.7%
      Brentwood, TN42,70016464.0%
      Jefferson City, MO42,670909.8%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.