A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
51%
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 Jennings Missouri National
Cost of living8390100
Groceries9996100
Health care9897100
Housing4977100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9395100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9995100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9795100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jennings, MO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Jennings 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 Jennings is 83, which is 17% 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.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Jennings distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 51.3% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Jennings can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Jennings Affordable?

Is Jennings 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 Jennings, the median home price is 66% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 17.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Jennings boasting a median household income of $48,228, 40.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jennings?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Jennings, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 4.225%, and income tax rates start at 2%.

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 Jennings cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jennings is 9% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Jennings is 17% lower than the national average
  • Jennings housing is 51% 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 Jennings

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Compare Jennings, 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$71,112$5,926$1,659$2,134
      Renters$32,625$2,719$761$979
      The affordability of the housing market in Jennings, 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 Jennings homeowners, the median income is $71,112. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,659 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $32,625. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $761 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.
      Champ, MO3964.1%
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Alorton, IL2,1497822.3%
      East Carondelet, IL3307822.2%
      Jennings, MO15,2598317.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sunset, FL15,25913534.5%
      Mercier, QC15,257n/a 
      Hobe Sound, FL15,2541087.7%
      Mount Vernon, IL15,2508614.4%
      Tonawanda, NY15,243982.5%
      Jennings, MO15,2598317.4%
      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.