Cost of Living in Fulton, MO
Population 12,611 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fulton is a smaller Missouri community of around 13000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,015 and housing costs ($145,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 9.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fulton sits roughly 20 miles east of Columbia. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Columbia's $268,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fulton
The median home value in Fulton is $144,500 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $831/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,015/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, 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, Fulton has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
🏠 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 Fulton, MO?
Fulton has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fulton, MO?
The median gross rent in Fulton is $831 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fulton?
The median home value in Fulton is $144,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fulton?
The median household income in Fulton is $55,015 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fulton, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fulton is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Fulton, MO affordable?
Yes, Fulton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
Fulton at a Glance
- Population
- 12,611
- Median Income
- $55,015
- Home Value
- $144,500
- Median Rent
- $831/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.9%
- 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