A-
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
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 Lee's Summit Missouri National
Cost of living10490100
Groceries9796100
Health care9497100
Housing12577100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare8795100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lee's Summit, MO

Knowing the cost of living in Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit stands at 104, marking it 4% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Lee's Summit is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

When it comes to the cost of living in Lee's Summit, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 24.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Lee's Summit?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 14 residents in Lee's Summit to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 64% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 36% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Lee's Summit Affordable?

Is Lee's Summit affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Lee's Summit, for instance, where the median home price falls 30.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 10.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Lee's Summit flaunting a median household income of $137,021, 68.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lee's Summit?

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.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Lee's Summit, the transportation index is 4.1% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Lee's Summit, the utilities index registers at 3.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit is 15% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Lee's Summit is 4% higher than the national average
  • Lee's Summit housing is 25% higher 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 Lee's Summit

See all the best places to live around Lee's Summit

Compare Lee's Summit, 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$157,610$13,134$3,677$4,729
      Renters$68,294$5,691$1,593$2,049
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Lee's Summit, 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 Lee's Summit, the median monthly income is $157,610 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,677 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $68,294, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,593 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.
      Baldwin Park, MO938119.3%
      Sugar Creek, MO3,3848514.7%
      Kansas City, KS156,3378613.7%
      Strasburg, MO1658811.7%
      Grandview, MO25,5038911.2%
      Lee's Summit, MO101,8981044.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Carmel, IN101,60911717.5%
      Nanaimo, BC101,513n/a 
      Kamloops, BC101,505n/a 
      Lethbridge, AB101,384n/a 
      Boca Raton, FL102,41814848.0%
      Lee's Summit, MO101,8981044.0%
      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.