A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Sedalia Missouri National
Cost of living8690100
Groceries9996100
Health care9597100
Housing6077100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9895100
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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 86, marking it 14% lower than the national average.

Is Sedalia Affordable?

Is Sedalia 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 Sedalia, for instance, where the median home price falls 46.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 24.7% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Sedalia flaunting a median household income of $61,791, 24% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sedalia?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Sedalia, the groceries index is 1.1% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Sedalia, the housing index comes in at 39.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Sedalia shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

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 14% 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

See all the best places to live around Sedalia

Compare Sedalia, 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$76,667$6,389$1,789$2,300
      Renters$46,737$3,895$1,090$1,402
      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 $76,667. Using that number, a maximum of $1,789 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $46,737, which means there is a maximum of $1,090 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ionia, MO787426.1%
      Houstonia, MO2567921.3%
      La Monte, MO1,0818118.9%
      Otterville, MO3678316.9%
      Smithton, MO5218316.7%
      Sedalia, MO22,1198613.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Montclair, VA22,12214241.9%
      Rancho San Diego, CA22,13617474.1%
      Pickerington, OH22,0951066.3%
      Ensley, FL22,158964.4%
      Bonney Lake, WA22,07913534.9%
      Sedalia, MO22,1198613.8%
      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.