Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,545 monthly including rent, or $865 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,570 with rent, or $1,414 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,594 including rent, or $1,963 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.14 $15.14
$15.14 $15.14
$50.5 $50.5
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$39.32 $39.32
$39.32 $39.32
$118 $118
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.99 $9.99
$9.99 $9.99
$12.98 $12.98
Cappuccino
$4.85 $4.85
$2.47 $2.47
$7.41 $7.41
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.94 $1.94
$1.94 $1.94
$2.98 $2.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.47 $1.47
$1.47 $1.47
$2.94 $2.94
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.96 $4.96
$3.97 $3.97
$7.94 $7.94
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.89 $5.89
$5.89 $5.89
$8.53 $8.53
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.63 $0.63
$0.63 $0.63
$1.39 $1.39
White Bread (500g)
$2.27 $2.27
$2.27 $2.27
$6.81 $6.81
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.35 $4.35
$2.00 $2.00
$7.61 $7.61
Eggs
$3.54 $3.54
$1.95 $1.95
$5.15 $5.15
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.54 $4.54
$4.54 $4.54
$27.25 $27.25
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.70 $10.70
$5.58 $5.58
$18.28 $18.28
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.02 $13.02
$9.31 $9.31
$19.99 $19.99
Apples (1kg)
$4.59 $4.59
$1.57 $1.57
$10.09 $10.09
Banana (1kg)
$1.49 $1.49
$0.65 $0.65
$5.56 $5.56
Oranges (1kg)
$6.66 $6.66
$2.24 $2.24
$11.21 $11.21
Tomato (1kg)
$4.49 $4.49
$3.34 $3.34
$7.64 $7.64
Potato (1kg)
$3.43 $3.43
$1.61 $1.61
$6.44 $6.44
Onion (1kg)
$3.74 $3.74
$2.69 $2.69
$7.84 $7.84
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.22 $2.22
$1.84 $1.84
$2.93 $2.93
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.98 $1.98
$1.77 $1.77
$4.46 $4.46
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.31 $7.31
$6.75 $6.75
$12.28 $12.28
Wine (Bottle)
$12.35 $12.35
$7.90 $7.90
$24.69 $24.69
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.97 $1.97
$1.76 $1.76
$2.91 $2.91
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.41 $5.41
$1.61 $1.61
$8.12 $8.12
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.06 $2.06
$1.29 $1.29
$2.06 $2.06
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.54 $2.54
$1.01 $1.01
$5.07 $5.07
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.19 $2.19
$1.29 $1.29
$3.08 $3.08
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.27 $21.27
$20.25 $20.25
$22.28 $22.28
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.77 $0.77
$0.73 $0.73
$0.88 $0.88
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.8K $35.8K
$34.5K $34.5K
$36.9K $36.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.1K $26.1K
$25.8K $25.8K
$27.1K $27.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$215 $215
$188 $188
$402 $402
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$62.4 $62.4
$40.21 $40.21
$101 $101
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.9 $53.9
$50.3 $50.3
$90.5 $90.5
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.45 $43.45
$17.68 $17.68
$50.5 $50.5
Cinema Ticket
$14.78 $14.78
$13.79 $13.79
$15.76 $15.76
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,394 $1,394
$1,074 $1,074
$2,062 $2,062
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$28.9K $28.9K
$28.9K $28.9K
$28.9K $28.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.5 $52.5
$29.69 $29.69
$79.2 $79.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.73 $41.73
$24.84 $24.84
$84.5 $84.5
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$104 $104
$74.6 $74.6
$124 $124
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$126 $126
$80.0 $80.0
$200 $200
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,599 $1,599
$1,197 $1,197
$1,853 $1,853
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,366 $1,366
$1,009 $1,009
$1,514 $1,514
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,645 $2,645
$2,011 $2,011
$3,017 $3,017
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,183 $2,183
$1,670 $1,670
$2,456 $2,456
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,562 $1,562
$1,508 $1,508
$1,616 $1,616
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,743 $1,743
$1,494 $1,494
$2,134 $2,134
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,895 $1,895
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.5
6.19
6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,599 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,366 outside the center. At 84% of the average salary ($1,895), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,895, while typical expenses reach $2,545. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $344 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $39.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Milk is cheaper than 99% of cities in North America

Imported beer is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Gasoline is cheaper than 94% of cities in North America

Jefferson City, MO Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Jefferson City compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO, United States tends to be moderate relative to coastal metros and other big cities. You can find affordable apartments in older neighborhoods and a broad range of dining and entertainment at reasonable prices. Utilities and internet tend to be predictable, which helps with budgeting. The city offers practical options for daily life without sacrificing access to parks, museums, or riverfront strolls. Shopping for groceries covers mainstream chains and local markets. Tip: plan a short stay in a few neighborhoods to gauge noise, distance to work, and daily conveniences.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in Jefferson City?
Understanding Jefferson City, MO, United States living cost helps you plan housing, groceries, and transit. Downtown and near-campus areas offer compact options with varying rents and amenities. When shopping for a place, check parking, HOA rules, and energy efficiency. Food options include supermarkets, local markets, and casual eateries with affordable picks. Transit relies on car travel, with ample parking downtown, plus walking and biking when weather allows. For work or study, a few coworking spaces and cafes with wifi support your routine. Tip: time rides during off-peak hours to save on transport and look for seasonal deals at markets.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Jefferson City, and how can you choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle?
Quality of life in Jefferson City comes from a calmer pace, access to green spaces, and a stable local culture. Build a simple budgeting framework: track essential costs, cushion for seasonal utilities, and allocate a small fund for activities. Neighborhood fit matters: choose areas near the Missouri River for leisure, or closer to the Capitol for accessibility; consider safety, transit options, and school zones if relevant. Seasonal shifts can affect heating in winter and cooling in summer, shaping the electricity bill more than rent. Tip: join local meetups or housing tours to compare vibes and find a neighborhood that matches your rhythm.
Does Jefferson City, MO offer good value for money?
At around $2,545 monthly all-in, Jefferson City, MO offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
How expensive is daily life in Jefferson City, MO?
Everyday life in Jefferson City, MO is moderately priced at about $2,545 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is the average income in Jefferson City, MO enough to cover living costs and save?
At $1,895 take-home, most residents in Jefferson City, MO can cover the $2,545 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,818 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Jefferson City, MO?
Where you live in Jefferson City, MO makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,599; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,366. Overall, the market runs from $1,366 to $1,599 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How much should I budget for food per month in Jefferson City, MO?
Expect to spend around $344 per month on groceries in Jefferson City, MO. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
What does fitness cost in Jefferson City, MO?
A regular gym membership in Jefferson City, MO costs around $43.45 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Jefferson City, MO?
Living on $2,500 in Jefferson City, MO means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,545. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Jefferson City, MO a good city to live in long-term?
Jefferson City, MO offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,545 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

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