Cost of Living in Center, MO

With a cost of living index of 49, Center, MO is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 51% cheaper than the national average and 25% below the Missouri state average of 75. Center is a small community of 469 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Center's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $350 (73% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $82,600 (73% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Center is $62,750, which is 16% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 7% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.