Benton, MO vs Lake Ozark, MO

Benton is moderately more affordable than Lake Ozark, with a 13.3% lower cost of living index. Benton scores 76 compared to 88 for Lake Ozark, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lake Ozark can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Benton is $771/month compared to $1,017/month in Lake Ozark — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Benton is more affordable at $256,900 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Benton is $82,679 compared to $80,476 in Lake Ozark (+2.7%). Benton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Benton spend roughly 11.2% of their income on rent, less than the 15.2% in Lake Ozark.