Cost of Living in Forest City, MO

With a cost of living index of 50, Forest City, MO is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 50% cheaper than the national average and 25% below the Missouri state average of 75. Forest City is a small community of 180 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Forest City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $392 (70% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $74,300 (76% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Forest City is $45,750, which is 39% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 10% 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.