A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
40%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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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 Sedalia Missouri National
Cost of living8488100
Goods & Services9592100
Groceries9695100
Health care9390100
Housing6078100
Transportation9091100
Utilities9399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sedalia, MO

Knowing the cost of living in Sedalia 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 Sedalia stands at 84, marking it 16% lower than the national average.

Is Sedalia Affordable?

Is Sedalia 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 Sedalia, the median home price is 45.9% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 24.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Sedalia boasting a median household income of $42,152, 23.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sedalia?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Sedalia, the groceries index is 3.6% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Sedalia, the general sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and income tax rates begin at 1.5%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Sedalia, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sedalia is 5% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Sedalia is 16% lower than the national average
  • Sedalia housing is 40% 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 Sedalia

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Compare Sedalia, MO Cost of Living

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      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$51,831$4,319$1,209$1,555
      Renters$31,333$2,611$731$940
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, homeowners have a median income of $51,831. Using that number, a maximum of $1,209 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $31,333, which means there is a maximum of $731 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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia National avg. Difference
      Home Price $99,900.00$184,700.0045.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,216.67$2,346.695.5%
      Apartment Rent $716.00$949.0024.6%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item Sedalia 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.
      Ionia, MO757326.6%
      Houstonia, MO2467821.7%
      Otterville, MO3548019.6%
      La Monte, MO1,0468119.3%
      Smithton, MO5118119.1%
      Sedalia, MO21,6348416.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gallup, NM21,637909.6%
      Coralville, IA21,6301054.9%
      Lealman, FL21,621909.6%
      Albertville, AL21,6208910.5%
      Prichard, AL21,6188218.0%
      Sedalia, MO21,6348416.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.