Cost of Living in Butler, MO
Population 4,594 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Butler run well below national norms — a median of $36,276 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $124,000). A poverty rate near 33% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Butler is about 45 miles south of Lee's Summit, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Lee's Summit's $313,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Butler
The median home value in Butler is $124,100 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $772/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,276/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Butler has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Butler has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Butler, MO?
Butler has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Butler, MO?
The median gross rent in Butler is $772 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Butler?
The median home value in Butler is $124,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Butler?
The median household income in Butler is $36,276 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Butler, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Butler is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Butler, MO affordable?
Yes, Butler is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Butler at a Glance
- Population
- 4,594
- Median Income
- $36,276
- Home Value
- $124,100
- Median Rent
- $772/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs