Cost of Living in Van Buren, MO

With a cost of living index of 50, Van Buren, 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. Van Buren is a small community of 1,146 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Van Buren's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $369 (72% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $77,400 (75% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.8x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Van Buren is $20,441, which is 73% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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.