Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO
Population 42,565 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Jefferson City offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $208,000 — costs less than 3.1 times median household income of $67,205, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Jefferson City is about 25 miles south of Columbia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Columbia's $268,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jefferson City
The median home value in Jefferson City is $208,000 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $766/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,205/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 67.0°F and lows of 45.6°F. Overall, Jefferson City has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 41 | 47 | 58 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 89 | 88 | 80 | 70 | 57 | 45 |
| Low °F | 23 | 26 | 35 | 45 | 55 | 65 | 69 | 66 | 57 | 46 | 35 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.01 | 1.87 | 2.85 | 4.37 | 4.89 | 3.62 | 4.44 | 3.61 | 3.73 | 3.40 | 2.82 | 2.10 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jefferson City, MO?
Jefferson City has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jefferson City, MO?
The median gross rent in Jefferson City is $766 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jefferson City?
The median home value in Jefferson City is $208,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jefferson City?
The median household income in Jefferson City is $67,205 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jefferson City, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jefferson City is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Jefferson City, MO affordable?
Yes, Jefferson City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City has average high temperatures of 67.0°F and average lows of 45.6°F. Annual precipitation is 39.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jefferson City at a Glance
- Population
- 42,565
- Median Income
- $67,205
- Home Value
- $208,000
- Median Rent
- $766/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.0°F
- 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