Cost of Living in Mexico, MO

Population 11,487 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Mexico a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $118,000. At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Mexico is about 30 miles northeast of Columbia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Columbia's $268,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 39
Rent 54

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Mexico

The median home value in Mexico is $117,600 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $706/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,873/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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, Mexico has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$117,600
61% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$178,092
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$706/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$623
1 BR
$668
2 BR
$826
3 BR
$1,142
4 BR
$1,311
Owner-occupied 63.5%
Renter-occupied 36.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$706
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,320/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.7 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
0.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.1%
Carpooled
13.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
0.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 4.1%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$48,873
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,698
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
36% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Labor Force Participation
58.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.1%
Graduate degree 6.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.6
Male median age 35.6
Female median age 37.2

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
2,486
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mexico, MO?

Mexico has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Mexico, MO?

The median gross rent in Mexico is $706 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Mexico?

The median home value in Mexico is $117,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Mexico?

The median household income in Mexico is $48,873 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Mexico, MO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mexico is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Mexico, MO affordable?

Yes, Mexico is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

Mexico at a Glance

Population
11,487
Median Income
$48,873
Home Value
$117,600
Median Rent
$706/mo
Unemployment
6.5%
Sales Tax
8.4%
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