A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
12%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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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 Washington Missouri National
Cost of living9288100
Goods & Services9292100
Groceries9795100
Health care8990100
Housing8878100
Transportation9491100
Utilities10299100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Washington, MO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Washington? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Washington stands at 92, making it 8% 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.

The cost of living in Washington is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Washington Affordable?

Is Washington affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Washington, the median home price is 9.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 18.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Washington boasting a median household income of $66,779, 20.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Washington?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Washington, is 12.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Washington, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.225%, and income tax rates kick off at 1.5%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Washington, 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.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Washington is 4% higher than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Washington is 8% lower than the national average
  • Washington housing is 12% 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 Washington

See all the best places to live around Washington

Compare Washington, MO Cost of Living

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      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$79,655$6,638$1,858$2,390
      Renters$36,657$3,055$855$1,100
      The affordability of the housing market in Washington, MO as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Washington homeowners, the median income is $79,655. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,858 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $36,657. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $855 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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 Washington National avg. Difference
      Haircut $21.19$24.2612.7%
      Beauty Salon $40.57$45.5611.0%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.3%
      Shampoo $1.11$1.2813.3%
      Movie $11.28$12.137.1%
      Bowling $16.92$18.006.0%

      Groceries

      Item Washington National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.40$5.849.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.36$1.5713.3%
      Milk $4.50$4.673.7%
      Potatoes $5.28$4.936.9%
      Pizza $10.84$12.0910.3%
      Beer $9.47$10.419.1%

      Health Care

      Item Washington National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $125.72$125.680.0%
      Doctor $124.51$135.788.3%
      Dentist $100.78$113.2911.0%
      Ibuprofen $10.14$10.654.8%
      Lipitor $520.16$468.6011.0%

      Housing

      Item Washington National avg. Difference
      Home Price $167,500.00$184,700.009.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,737.43$2,346.6926.0%
      Apartment Rent $771.00$949.0018.8%

      Transportation

      Item Washington National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.20$3.467.6%
      Tire Balancing $50.00$59.9216.6%

      Utilities

      Item Washington National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $133.84$193.9931.0%
      Phone $188.69$192.251.9%
      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.
      Three Creeks, MO4945.9%
      Defiance, MO68945.9%
      Leslie, MO737821.6%
      St. Clair, MO4,7028713.3%
      Gray Summit, MO2,3838812.3%
      Washington, MO14,052927.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Beauharnois, QC14,056n/a 
      Hammonton, NJ14,04611212.1%
      Monroe, OH14,0611032.6%
      Dumas, TX14,0428811.8%
      Lakeland North, WA14,04213636.2%
      Washington, MO14,052927.8%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.