A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Kennett Missouri National
Cost of living8290100
Groceries9896100
Health care9397100
Housing5277100
Transportation9196100
Utilities9495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9195100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kennett, MO

Knowing the cost of living in Kennett allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kennett stands at 82, marking it 18% lower than the national average.

Kennett housing costs are 47.6% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Kennett residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

Is Kennett Affordable?

Is Kennett 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 Kennett is 48.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 44.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Kennett has a median household income of $59,833, which is 26.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kennett?

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 Kennett, the utilities index is 5.8% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Kennett, the groceries index is 1.7% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Kennett 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 Kennett is 9% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Kennett is 18% lower than the national average
  • Kennett housing is 48% 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 Kennett

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Compare Kennett, MO Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$86,541$7,212$2,019$2,596
      Renters$37,899$3,158$884$1,137
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Kennett, MO, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Kennett have a median income of $86,541. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,019 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $37,899, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $884.

      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.
      Rives, MO105945.6%
      Bragg City, MO136945.6%
      Homestown, MO596832.3%
      Nimmons, AR857128.9%
      Holland, MO1447327.5%
      Kennett, MO10,3868218.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Albans, WV10,3868911.1%
      Lexington, NE10,3848910.8%
      Brandon, SD10,3881044.1%
      Bithlo, FL10,39911514.8%
      Chalco, NE10,372964.3%
      Kennett, MO10,3868218.2%
      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.