A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Ozark Missouri National
Cost of living8988100
Goods & Services8992100
Groceries9495100
Health care9590100
Housing9078100
Transportation9091100
Utilities8099100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Ozark, MO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Ozark? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Ozark stands at 89, making it 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday basics like clothes, personal care items and entertainment factor into your overall living costs. But here's the good news: in Ozark, these things are 10.6% more affordable than the national average. So, you can get what you need and have fun without emptying your wallet. With these savings, you can stash more money in your savings or put it towards other financial goals, ultimately improving your financial health.

Is Ozark Affordable?

Wondering if Ozark is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Ozark, for example, the median home price is 12.5% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 5.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Ozark boasting a median household income of $58,995, which is 6.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ozark?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Ozark, the utilities index stands at 19.7% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Ozark, healthcare costs are 5.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Ozark, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and the income tax rates commence at 1.5%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Ozark, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

New Real Estate Listings in Ozark Area
Search Homes for Sale in Ozark, MO

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ozark is 1% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Ozark is 11% lower than the national average
  • Ozark housing is 10% lower than the national average
  • Missouri general sales tax is 17% lower than the national average
  • Missouri state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Ozark

See all the best places to live around Ozark

Compare Ozark, MO Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Ozark?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Ozark?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Ozark poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$74,210$6,184$1,731$2,227
      Renters$41,940$3,495$979$1,258
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Ozark, MO, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Ozark have a median income of $74,210. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,731 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $41,940, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $979.

      Missouri Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Missouri 4.225% 10.85%

      Missouri Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Missouri 2% 4.95%

      Goods & Services

      Item Ozark National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.90$24.2613.9%
      Beauty Salon $43.40$45.564.7%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.2%
      Shampoo $1.43$1.2811.9%
      Movie $11.45$12.135.7%
      Bowling $20.06$18.0011.5%

      Groceries

      Item Ozark National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.93$5.841.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.37$1.5712.7%
      Milk $4.65$4.670.5%
      Potatoes $4.78$4.933.1%
      Pizza $10.93$12.099.6%
      Beer $9.53$10.418.5%

      Health Care

      Item Ozark National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $87.72$125.6830.2%
      Doctor $89.65$135.7834.0%
      Dentist $114.22$113.290.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.47$10.651.7%
      Lipitor $495.14$468.605.7%

      Housing

      Item Ozark National avg. Difference
      Home Price $161,600.00$184,700.0012.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,859.59$2,346.6920.8%
      Apartment Rent $899.00$949.005.3%

      Transportation

      Item Ozark National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.49$3.460.8%
      Tire Balancing $45.32$59.9224.4%

      Utilities

      Item Ozark National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $193.72$193.990.1%
      Phone $200.43$192.254.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sparta, MO2,1678317.2%
      Springfield, MO167,6018416.4%
      Clever, MO2,7428415.7%
      Rogersville, MO4,0968515.3%
      Highlandville, MO8398514.5%
      Ozark, MO20,2168910.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lomita, CA20,21216565.1%
      Rivière-du-Loup, QC20,207n/a 
      Pleasantville, NJ20,226982.1%
      Plainview, TX20,1948217.8%
      Wade Hampton, SC20,1921032.5%
      Ozark, MO20,2168910.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.