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Cost of Living in Bates County

Is it better to rent or buy in Bates County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$61,575
$775/mo

Median in area: $775

$176,504

Median in area: $176,504

$35,301

If you Rent

🔑
$1,018 /mo
Base Rent$775
Est. Utilities$243
% of Income19.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,113

If you Buy

🏠
$1,383 /mo
P&I (7.155%)$954
Taxes & Ins$186
Est. Utilities$243
% of Income27.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,748

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Bates County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countySt. Clair County, MO
$670/mo
countyHenry County, MO
$854/mo
countyLinn County, KS
$728/mo
countyCass County, MO
$1,274/mo
countyVernon County, MO
$767/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Bates County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Bates County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,018, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,383 per month (a difference of $365).

How much do utilities cost in Bates County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Bates County is approximately $243. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Bates County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Bates County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $40,720 per year.