Cost of Living in California, MO
Population 4,523 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
California sits on the smaller end of the Missouri city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Located 25 miles southwest of Columbia, California falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Columbia's $268,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in California
The median home value in California is $123,700 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $773/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,506/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below 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, California has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
California 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 California, MO?
California has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in California, MO?
The median gross rent in California is $773 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in California?
The median home value in California is $123,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in California?
The median household income in California is $60,506 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in California, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in California is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is California, MO affordable?
Yes, California is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
California at a Glance
- Population
- 4,523
- Median Income
- $60,506
- Home Value
- $123,700
- Median Rent
- $773/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- 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