Cost of Living in West Plains, MO

With a cost of living index of 68, West Plains, MO is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the Missouri state average of 75. West Plains is a smaller community of 12,341 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in West Plains's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $762 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $158,700 (48% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in West Plains is $39,897, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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.