Cost of living in Bates County, MO
Part of the Kansas City Metro Area
Population 16,121 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Bates County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Bates County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Bates County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Bates County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Bates County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Bates County
State and local tax rates for Missouri.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Bates County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Bates County
What it costs to live in Bates County each month.
- Rent $679
- Energy $194
- Water $50
- Groceries $313
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $417
- State tax $128
- Rent $891
- Energy $233
- Water $60
- Groceries $519
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $618
- State tax $217
- Rent $1,174
- Energy $291
- Water $70
- Groceries $787
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $618
- State tax $217
Frequently asked questions about Bates County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Bates County?
In Bates County, MO, a one-bedroom apartment averages $679 per month, a two-bedroom averages $891 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,174 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Bates County?
In Bates County, MO, the average household income is $57,914 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $35,565 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Bates County?
The estimated cost of living in Bates County, MO is approximately $2,581 per month for a single person, $3,822 for a couple, $6,227 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Bates County?
The combined sales tax rate in Bates County, MO is 8.29%, which includes the Missouri state rate of 4.22% plus an average local rate of 4.06%.
Is Bates County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Bates County, MO would need approximately $2,581 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $57,914 per year ($4,826 per month). Bates County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Bates County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Bates County, MO is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 10.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Bates County?
The average home value in Bates County, MO is $154,800, with average annual property taxes of $962, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Bates County compare to other areas?
You can compare Bates County, MO with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Bates County is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area.
Other counties in Missouri
Browse the full list of counties in Missouri, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in MissouriCompare Bates County with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP