Skyline of Jefferson City
Cost of Living: 88 43,000

Jefferson City, MO, US

Missouri's capital on the Missouri River with the State Capitol and Katy Trail.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 90

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.2%

Job market health

Jefferson City vs US Average

Cost of Living
Jefferson City: 88
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Jefferson City: 90
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Jefferson City: 4%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.0%
  • Sales Tax: 8.5%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 3.2%
  • Population: 43,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 87°F
  • Winter Low: 24°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $200,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Cost of Living

Jefferson City's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).

CategoryJefferson CityNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing90100-10.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$133

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Jefferson City:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$6Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$262Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Jefferson City

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Jefferson City Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/mo.

East Jefferson City

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/mo.

West Jefferson City

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $903/mo.

Remote Work Score

Jefferson City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
88
Rent
$950
Sunny Days
200
Tax
4%
Unemployment
3.2%
Climate
87°F / 24°F

Climate

Jefferson City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January44°F24°F2.5"
April72°F39°F2.8"
July87°F62°F1.5"
October67°F42°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4%
  • Sales Tax: 8.5%
  • Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jefferson City, MO, US?

The cost of living index in Jefferson City is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Jefferson City?

The median home price in Jefferson City is $200,000. The housing index is 90.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jefferson City is approximately $950/mo.

Does Jefferson City, MO have income tax?

Jefferson City is in MO, which has an income tax rate of 4%.

What is the climate like in Jefferson City?

Jefferson City enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 87°F, while winter lows can drop to around 24°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.