Missouri, where the heartland meets a mix of urban energy and natural beauty, offers a cost of living that’s as welcoming as the locals. Whether you’re eyeing the bustling streets of St. Louis, the scenic charm of the Ozarks, or the vibrant culture of Kansas City, Missouri has something for everyone. The cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average, making it an appealing choice for those looking to stretch their dollar. From affordable apartments in St. Louis to homes in Springfield, Missouri strikes a balance between urban amenities and a relaxed lifestyle. Let’s dive into what it truly costs to call the Show-Me State home.
Housing costs: Median home prices and average rent in Missouri
Housing costs in Missouri are undeniably affordable, making it an attractive option for those seeking to balance budget and comfort. With the average rent in Missouri around $1,115, the state offers substantial savings compared to the national average rent of $1,645. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in Kansas City or a spacious home in Warrensburg, you’ll find that the housing market here is both accessible and diverse, offering plenty of cheap places to live throughout Missouri.
Missouri housing costs: Average rents and median home sale prices
| City in Missouri | 1 Bed Avg. Rent | 2 Bed Avg. Rent | Median Home Sale Price |
| National Average | $1,495 | $1,725 | $428,000 |
| Chesterfield | $1,450 | $1,820 | $585,000 |
| Columbia | $1,045 | $1,300 | $315,500 |
| Grandview | $915 | $1,035 | $234,000 |
| Independence | $1,075 | $1,250 | $199,000 |
| Joplin | $1,020 | $1,235 | $185,000 |
| Lee’s Summit | $1,420 | $1,680 | $372,000 |
| Kansas City | $1,360 | $1,750 | $275,000 |
| Springfield | $960 | $1,125 | $200,000 |
| St. Louis | $1,350 | $1,600 | $230,000 |
| Warrensburg | $700 | $760 | $274,000 |
Housing costs in popular cities in Missouri
Kansas City
Kansas City boasts a housing market that offers both affordability and variety. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits at $1,360, while a two-bedroom will cost around $1,750, both of which are slightly above the average rent in Missouri but still below the national average of $1,645. For homebuyers, the median home sale price in Kansas City is $275,000, far more attainable than the national median of $428,000. Whether you’re seeking a modern loft in the bustling Power and Light District or a quiet home in Brookside, Kansas City provides an attractive balance between cost and lifestyle.
Read more: Should I Move to Kansas City, MO? 11 Pros and Cons
Springfield
Known for its small-town feel paired with city conveniences, Springfield provides affordable living with access to excellent amenities, from outdoor adventures in the Ozarks to a thriving local culture. A one-bedroom apartment here averages $960, while a two-bedroom costs around $1,125—both below the average rent in Missouri of $1,115. With a median home sale price of $200,000, the affordable cost of living in Missouri is reflected in the home prices in Springfield, too.
Read more: What is Springfield, MO Known For? 10 Things to Love About This City
St. Louis
Renters will find one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,350 and two-bedroom options at $1,600—above the state average but still comfortably under the national average of $1,645. For those looking to buy a home in St. Louis, the median home sale price of $230,000 makes homeownership within reach, particularly given the city’s cultural and economic offerings. With iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving local food and music scene, St. Louis delivers a rich lifestyle experience at a fraction of the cost of larger urban centers.
Read more: Kansas City vs. St Louis: Which City is Right for You? | 17 Popular St. Louis, MO Neighborhoods: Where to Live in St. Louis in 2024
Utility costs in Missouri are on par with nationwide averages
Utility costs in Missouri are relatively affordable, though they can vary depending on where you live. On average, basic utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and sewer amount to $325.51 monthly. When you add internet and phone services, the total averages $605.51—just under the national average of $609.90. However, location matters; in Joplin, utility costs slightly exceed the national average, while Springfield residents enjoy savings of around 18% below the national rate. Whether you’re budgeting for summer cooling or reliable internet, the state’s utility costs reflect the overall affordable cost of living in Missouri, though some areas may stretch your dollar further than others.
Utility bill comparisons: MO cities vs. nationwide average
| Monthly Energy Bill | Monthly Phone Bill | Comparison to National Avg. | |
| National Average | $203.40 | $194.11 | |
| Columbia | $188.43 | $198.91 | -4% less |
| Jefferson City | $175.19 | $200.88 | -9% less |
| Joplin | $237.51 | $198.33 | +11% more |
| Kansas City | $222.78 | $201.70 | +7% more |
| Rolla | $196.85 | $188.34 | -5% less |
| Springfield | $144.79 | $194.77 | -18% less |
| St. Louis | $194.56 | $203.07 | -1% less |
Lower grocery costs help keep the cost of living in Missouri more affordable
Grocery costs in Missouri are another standout feature of the state’s overall affordability, coming in about 12% lower than the national average. Everyday essentials like bread and eggs cost less here, making it easier to stretch your food budget. For example, a loaf of bread costs $3.69 in Kansas City and $3.54 in Joplin, compared to the national average of $3.97. Similarly, a dozen eggs averages $3.20 in Kansas City and just $2.94 in Joplin, well below the national average of $3.35. Whether you’re shopping at a local farmer’s market or a grocery chain, the cost of living in Missouri ensures your pantry stays stocked without breaking the bank.
The cost of healthcare in Missouri falls below national averages
Healthcare costs in Missouri are generally affordable, falling below national averages in many areas, though the exact costs depend on personal needs and the type of coverage you choose. Whether you’re scheduling a routine doctor’s visit or a dental check-up, residents of Missouri benefit from a healthcare system that is often more budget-friendly than in other states. For example, dental appointments in Columbia cost about $95 on average, significantly less than the national average of $116.86. Similarly, a doctor’s visit in Kansas City averages $94.48, well below the national average of $142.74. While costs can vary—St. Louis, for instance, has dental visits closer to the national rate at $115.60—Missouri still offers a range of options that help keep healthcare expenses manageable, making it a strong choice for those mindful of medical costs.
Missouri residents benefit from reasonable taxes
Taxes in Missouri play a significant role in shaping its overall cost of living, offering a mix of affordability and regional variability. The state income tax is graduated, ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%, and some areas also impose local income taxes, which can slightly increase your total tax burden depending on where you live. On the sales tax front, Missouri has a state rate of 4.22%, but the average combined state and local rate climbs to 8.39%, which might add up when you’re shopping locally. The national average for sales tax typically falls between 5%-7%. Homeowners benefit from a relatively low effective property tax rate of 0.82% on owner-occupied homes, making housing costs even more appealing. So if you’re moving to Missouri and planning to buy a home, this could be great news for you.
How much do I need to earn to live in Missouri?
To determine how much you should earn to live comfortably in Missouri, the 30% rule is a helpful starting point. This guideline suggests that your monthly housing costs should not exceed 30% of your gross income. With the average rent in Missouri at $1,115, you’d need to earn at least $3,716 per month, or around $44,600 annually, to stay within that range. However, location matters. In Grandview, where one-bedroom apartments average $915 a month, a monthly income of $3,050 would suffice under this rule. Meanwhile, in Lee’s Summit, where the average for a one-bedroom jumps to $1,420, you’d need to make closer to $4,733 monthly to meet the same standard. Keep in mind, this is just a guideline—additional expenses like transportation, utilities, groceries, and personal spending habits may require you to adjust your budget accordingly. Overall, with the cost of living in Missouri lower than many other states in the U.S., living here won’t require as hefty of an income.
Methodology
Average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom rent sourced from Rent. Median home sale price, state average monthly rent, national rent prices, and cost of living data sourced from Redfin.
