Cost of Living in Missouri
Missouri has 29 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Springfield (cost index 90.0) to Columbia (102.4), with a statewide average around 96.2 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Jefferson City at $766/mo and highest in Wildwood at $1,575/mo.
Missouri at a Glance
Cities Tracked
29
with census data
Avg Cost Index
96.2
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,153
per month
Avg Household Income
$81,938
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 90.0 | $920 |
| Kansas City | 92.0 | $1,186 |
| St. Louis | 96.6 | $978 |
| St. Peters | 99.9 | $1,291 |
| Columbia | 102.4 | $1,067 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 102.4 | $1,067 |
| St. Peters | 99.9 | $1,291 |
| St. Louis | 96.6 | $978 |
| Kansas City | 92.0 | $1,186 |
| Springfield | 90.0 | $920 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Missouri
State Income Tax
4.80%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
4.22%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Missouri
Missouri Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Kansas City | 508,233 | 92.0 | $1,186 | $227,000 | $67,449 |
| St. Louis | 293,109 | 96.6 | $978 | $185,100 | $55,279 |
| Springfield | 169,432 | 90.0 | $920 | $165,200 | $45,984 |
| Columbia | 127,200 | 102.4 | $1,067 | $268,300 | $64,488 |
| Independence | 121,944 | — | $1,061 | $166,400 | $59,480 |
| Lee's Summit | 102,583 | — | $1,382 | $313,200 | $104,989 |
| O'Fallon | 92,697 | — | $1,400 | $305,100 | $107,203 |
| St. Joseph | 71,542 | — | $884 | $144,200 | $55,578 |
| St. Charles | 71,048 | — | $1,186 | $280,800 | $85,522 |
| Blue Springs | 59,416 | — | $1,213 | $241,500 | $84,075 |
| St. Peters | 58,200 | 99.9 | $1,291 | $252,800 | $89,827 |
| Joplin | 52,218 | — | $889 | $159,700 | $51,154 |
| Florissant | 51,915 | — | $1,259 | $136,200 | $66,344 |
| Chesterfield | 49,591 | — | $1,553 | $458,000 | $133,380 |
| Wentzville | 45,734 | — | $1,264 | $302,700 | $111,409 |
| Jefferson City | 42,565 | — | $766 | $208,000 | $67,205 |
| Cape Girardeau | 40,047 | — | $855 | $186,100 | $54,870 |
| Wildwood | 35,168 | — | $1,575 | $472,800 | $157,750 |
| Oakville | 35,166 | — | $1,083 | $292,500 | $103,125 |
| University City | 34,655 | — | $1,265 | $285,100 | $76,466 |
| Ballwin | 30,835 | — | $1,386 | $353,400 | $121,170 |
| Liberty | 30,446 | — | $1,164 | $267,900 | $95,425 |
| Raytown | 29,593 | — | $1,213 | $162,000 | $67,227 |
| Kirkwood | 29,302 | — | $1,293 | $421,500 | $117,439 |
| Mehlville | 29,089 | — | $1,029 | $210,200 | $65,395 |
| Maryland Heights | 27,981 | — | $1,217 | $215,300 | $86,485 |
| Gladstone | 27,069 | — | $1,095 | $217,900 | $72,134 |
| Grandview | 25,821 | — | $1,007 | $171,200 | $53,431 |
| Hazelwood | 25,214 | — | $956 | $154,900 | $55,930 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Missouri cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Missouri cities stack up across the US. For example, Kansas City vs St. Louis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Missouri
What is the cost of living in Missouri?
The average cost of living index across cities in Missouri is approximately 96.2 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,153/month and median household income averages around $81,938/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Missouri?
The most affordable cities in Missouri by cost of living index are: 1. Springfield (index 90.0), 2. Kansas City (index 92.0), 3. St. Louis (index 96.6).
What is the median rent in Missouri?
The average median gross rent across cities in Missouri is approximately $1,153/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Missouri?
Missouri's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.80%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Missouri?
Missouri's statewide sales tax rate is 4.22%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Missouri?
Missouri has a cost of living index of approximately 96.2 and average median rent around $1,153/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology