| Index | West Plains | Missouri | National |
| Cost of living | 84 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 93 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 57 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 94 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 100 | 95 | 100 |
The cost of living in West Plains affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in West Plains is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, West Plains stands out by reporting housing costs that are 43.2% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of West Plains can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in West Plains. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if West Plains is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In West Plains, for example, the median home price is 48.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 31.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with West Plains boasting a median household income of $55,093, which is 32.3% lower than the national average.
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 West Plains, the general sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and income tax rates begin at 2%.
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: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In West Plains, the transportation index is 4% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for West Plains 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $71,808 | $5,984 | $1,675 | $2,154 |
| Renters | $43,963 | $3,664 | $1,026 | $1,319 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Missouri | 4.225% | 10.85% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Missouri | 2% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| South Fork, MO | 11 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Pomona, MO | 362 | 75 | 24.5% |
| Koshkonong, MO | 157 | 77 | 22.6% |
| Brandsville, MO | 198 | 79 | 20.6% |
| West Plains, MO | 12,673 | 84 | 16.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Woodward, OK | 12,677 | 90 | 10.4% |
| Minneola, FL | 12,664 | 118 | 18.0% |
| Beatrice, NE | 12,664 | 87 | 13.0% |
| St. Marys, PA | 12,663 | 89 | 10.7% |
| Palmer Town, MA | 12,662 | 115 | 15.0% |
| West Plains, MO | 12,673 | 84 | 16.2% |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
These are the largest cities in Missouri
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Missouri
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Missouri