Cost of Living in Charleston, MO
Population 4,565 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Charleston's median household income of $35,139 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (31% here).
Geographically, Charleston lies roughly 115 miles west of the nearest major metro, Clarksville. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Charleston
The median home value in Charleston is $107,700 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $734/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,139/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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, Charleston has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.
Charleston 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 Charleston, MO?
Charleston has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Charleston, MO?
The median gross rent in Charleston is $734 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston is $107,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston is $35,139 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Charleston, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Charleston is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Charleston, MO affordable?
Yes, Charleston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
Charleston at a Glance
- Population
- 4,565
- Median Income
- $35,139
- Home Value
- $107,700
- Median Rent
- $734/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- 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