Cost of Living in Vandalia, MO
Population 3,260 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Vandalia a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $76,000. An unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Vandalia is about 50 miles northeast of Columbia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 72% lower than Columbia's $268,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vandalia
The median home value in Vandalia is $75,600 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $762/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,649/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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, Vandalia has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.
Vandalia 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 Vandalia, MO?
Vandalia has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Vandalia, MO?
The median gross rent in Vandalia is $762 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Vandalia?
The median home value in Vandalia is $75,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Vandalia?
The median household income in Vandalia is $58,649 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vandalia, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vandalia is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Vandalia, MO affordable?
Yes, Vandalia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
Vandalia at a Glance
- Population
- 3,260
- Median Income
- $58,649
- Home Value
- $75,600
- Median Rent
- $762/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data