Cost of Living in Missouri [2024]
Missouri is a great state with lots to offer, from exciting cities with countless activities to take part in all the way to quiet rural towns. Best of all, both are within a short driving distance from one another, so you can quickly change up your scene at any time.
The overall cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average, making it an excellent place for anyone to start a new life. You can enjoy abundant waterways, including streams, rivers, and lakes, as well as the water sports they include.
With so many different types of cityscapes to offer, you can easily find something within your budget by taking a closer look at the cost of living in Missouri. The good news is, we’ve already done all the research, so you don’t have to.
Start by checking out this apartment guide, then keep scrolling for all the details on building your new budget in Missouri.
Cost of Living in Missouri
What Is the Cost of Living in Missouri?
The cost of living in Missouri is 9.1% lower than the national average, making Missouri the #8 cheapest state in the US. However, the cost of living in Missouri varies depending on the area you live in.
Where Is Cost of Living Highest in Missouri?
The most expensive city in Missouri is Cape Girardeau, where the cost of living is 9.9% higher compared to the state average and 0.1% lower than in the rest of the U.S.
Where Is Cost of Living Lowest in Missouri?
The cheapest major city in Missouri is Jefferson City, with a cost of living being 7.81% lower compared to the state average and 16.2% lower than the national average.
How Much Is Rent in Missouri?
As of June 2024, the average rent in Missouri is $1,106 for all apartments. One-bedrooms cost around $930 a month, and two-bedrooms around around $1,109.
In Kansas City, one of Missouri's most popular cities, the overall median rent in the city stands at $1,315. One-bedroom apartments cost around $1,140 a month, which is slightly higher than the state average.
How Much Is Housing in Missouri?
If you're not looking to rent in Missouri, then you should know that the median home value in Missouri is currently $199,400. Most residents spend around $1,436 per month on housing costs including their mortgage.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Missouri?
You can apply the 30% rule to help you determine your recommended salary in Missouri. According to this rule, you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent in order to have enough money to pay all your bills and have some left for entertainment and savings. If you’re planning to rent in Kansas City, where the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,140, your monthly wages should be at least $3,800 or an annual salary of around $46,000, to comfortably afford an apartment.
You can use our rent calculator to try out this method in different cities!
How Much Are Utilities in Missouri?
Considering the national average cost of utilities is $253 monthly, the averages throughout Missouri are similar to the rest of the country at $252 a month. The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment, is broken down by the most popular cities in Missouri:
| Location | Avg Electricity Cost | Avg Gas Cost | Avg Water Cost | Avg Fuel Cost | Avg Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | 148.58 | 62.46 | 41.50 | 0.99 | 253.53 |
| St. Louis, MO | 113.44 | 57.80 | 44.52 | 3.20 | 218.96 |
| Missouri | 151.65 | 56.69 | 42.33 | 2.02 | 252.69 |
Remember that these average costs do not include other expenses, such as the internet. The average monthly cost of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these popular cities are:
- Kansas City: $69.54/month
- St. Louis: $61.93/month
Your cell phone bill is another important bill to take into account. According to the national average, your monthly cell phone bill will cost you around $114 per month.
You might be able to bundle your cell phone with your internet provider to help save on monthly costs. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider about these discounts and more, including specials for new customers.
How Much Is Transportation in Missouri?
Getting around in Missouri can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $10,204 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. If you’re a family of four with two working adults and two children, you can anticipate paying around $17,115 in transportation costs on an annual basis.
The Missouri Public Transit Association is the state’s public transit agency, covering everything for the state, including:
- Urban transit systems
- Rural transit systems
- The elderly and disabled transportation
- Human service agency systems
- Taxicab companies
- Light rail transit systems and projects
- University transportation services
As you can imagine, public transportation is better in the major cities. While public transportation is available in all non-urban areas, it may be limited in frequency. So, if you’re planning to move to Missouri, having reliable private transit is going to be your best bet. You can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the most popular cities in Missouri:
- Kansas City: $3.30/gallon
- St. Louis: $3.20/gallon
Considering the national average is currently $3.80 per gallon of regular gas, Missouri’s gasoline costs are considerably low.
How Much Are Food Costs in Missouri?
The average single Missouri resident spends around $4,196 annually on food, roughly $350 per month. On the other hand, a family of four with two working adults and two children spends about $12,331 annually, approximately $1,028 per month.
These figures are associated with food picked up at the local Hy-Vee, Global Foods Market, or Jay International Food Co and entirely prepared in the home. So, if you’re anything short of a culinary genius, you may also want to budget for additional food costs.
With so many delicious restaurants and iconic Missouri foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside of your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget so you can try out the famous BBQ, Provel cheese, and toasted ravioli.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant:
- Kansas City: $65/meal
- St. Louis: $60/meal
How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Missouri?
A single adult without children will pay around $3,208 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $8,666.
No matter where you’re moving, a top priority should always be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Part of staying healthy means ensuring that you have proper health insurance, whether you only see your doctor for regular checkups or suffer from chronic illnesses. Also, having good medical coverage can be helpful should any emergencies arise in your new hometown.
Before moving to Missouri, check out the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available. Also, keep in mind that health insurance enrollment periods typically fall in November. So, if you plan to move any other time of the year, you can report your move to ensure you qualify for out-of-state coverage.
If you’re still on your parent’s medical insurance and are under 26, you might be able to stay on their policy even if you’re moving out of state. Check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location to be sure.
Missouri Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Missouri, which is why it’s essential to understand the costs associated with them.
Fitness
Missouri is one of the many states that enjoys four distinct seasons year-round. Summers are muggy and hot, while winters are incredibly snowy and cold. The frigid temperatures of the winter months can make outdoor exercise challenging to maintain year-round. To keep your fitness year-round, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in Missouri’s most popular cities is relatively low:
- Kansas City: $50.90/month
- St. Louis: $54.65/month
With many expansive waterways in Missouri, it’s no surprise that the state has several outdoor activities that can help you save on costs when weather permits. Stroll around a lake, hike to the highest points, and enjoy a swim at the beach. But, if you plan to be outdoors year-round, remember that you’ll have to adjust your wardrobe accordingly, which will also come at an additional cost.
National and State Parks
Missouri is home to thirteen different national parks. Some of the most popular are:
- Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis
- George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence and Grandview
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
- Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
In addition to national parks, Missouri has 92 state parks. The state park system in Missouri is so expansive that it has been ranked in the top four in the nation on multiple occasions.
Museums
You’ll also find countless museums in Missouri, great for year-round family entertainment. Some of the state’s most famous museums include:
- Steamboat Arabia in Kansas City
- City Museum of St. Louis
- Missouri History Museum in St. Louis
- Titanic Museum in Branson
- Museum of Art and Archaeology in Columbia
Other Expenses to Consider in Missouri
Missouri has a progressive state income tax and a statewide sales tax of 4.225%, with different counties and cities adding on additional rates. For those looking to move to Missouri and buy a home, the good news is that you can look forward to a lower property tax rate than the national average.
When it comes to significant moves from out of state, there are additional expenses you’ll need to consider, such as movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Once you get to your new home, there are even more add-on costs that you may incur, including additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits.
Lastly, another often overlooked cost comes with furnishing your new home. Since you’ll want to make sure your new house feels like home, you’ll have to account for this spending in your budget as well. Check out a few tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to help you avoid overspending in this area of your move.
Finding the Best Missouri Apartment for You
If you want to move to an incredible state offering everything from rural suburbs to booming cities, Missouri might be the place for you.
Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Missouri!
FAQs about Cost of Living in Missouri
What is the cheapest rent in Missouri?
Jefferson City, the cheapest city in Missouri, offers studio apartments starting at $525.
How expensive is it to live in Missouri?
Transportation costs in Missouri amount to $5,305 a year. Food costs $3,423 a year on average for a single resident of Missouri. A one-bedroom apartment in Kansas City, MO costs $988 and a two-bedroom costs $1,150. A one-bedroom apartment in St. Louis costs $866 and a two-bedroom costs $1,106.
What is the population of Missouri?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Missouri is 6,177,957. It is the 19th most populated state in the U.S.
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