Cost of Living in Trenton, MO

Population 5,542 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

40
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 Trenton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $93,000.

Geographically, Trenton lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Independence. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Independence's $166,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 30
Rent 54

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

About the Cost of Living in Trenton

The median home value in Trenton is $93,000 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $704/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,836/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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%. Overall, Trenton has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$93,000
70% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$193,879
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$704/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.0x
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 59.6%
Renter-occupied 40.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$704
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,318/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
14.7 min
46% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.6%
Carpooled
8.8%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
5.7%
Work from home
3.8%

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
$49,836
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,078
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Labor Force Participation
53.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 5.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.7
Male median age 37.3
Female median age 42

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,349
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Trenton, MO?

Trenton has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.

What is average rent in Trenton, MO?

The median gross rent in Trenton is $704 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Trenton?

The median home value in Trenton is $93,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Trenton?

The median household income in Trenton is $49,836 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Trenton, MO?

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

Is Trenton, MO affordable?

Yes, Trenton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.

Trenton at a Glance

Population
5,542
Median Income
$49,836
Home Value
$93,000
Median Rent
$704/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Sales Tax
8.4%
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🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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