Cost of Living in Centralia, MO
Population 4,615 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Centralia a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $166,000. At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 20 miles northeast of Columbia, Centralia falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Columbia's $268,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Centralia
The median home value in Centralia is $165,600 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $723/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,868/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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, Centralia has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.
Centralia 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Centralia, MO?
Centralia has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Centralia, MO?
The median gross rent in Centralia is $723 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia is $165,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia is $51,868 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Centralia, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Centralia is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Centralia, MO affordable?
Yes, Centralia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
Centralia at a Glance
- Population
- 4,615
- Median Income
- $51,868
- Home Value
- $165,600
- Median Rent
- $723/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs