Missouri cost of living
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As of publishing, Missouri offers a fairly affordable lifestyle in comparison to many other states. Whether you're seeking a vibrant city or a quiet rural retreat, the Show-Me State might be the perfect place to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality of life.
The median rent in Missouri is $1,222.34, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Missouri spend $244.43 weekly on food at home and $102.05 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.06 in Missouri.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Missouri pay $1,701 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Missouri
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Missouri is $1,222.34, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Missouri broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Missouri had a median cost of $782 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $944 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,137 and $1,283, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Missouri is $255,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Missouri ranks No. 22 for highest effective property tax rate in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.01%.
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Food costs in Missouri
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Missouri is $244.43, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Missouri residents spend an average of $102.05 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Missouri
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Missouri is $3.06, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Missouri is $1,063.26, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
In 2020, Kansas City, Missouri, became the first major U.S. city to implement no-fare public transportation. This popular program applies to buses within the city limits as well as the downtown streetcar. Check RideKC for routes and other fares in the metro.
St. Louis fares rank well among the 50 biggest U.S. cities, too, with an average ride costing $1.10, according to our 2024 public transit study. Metro in St. Louis can get you around on its commuter rail and bus networks.
Health care costs in Missouri
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Missouri employees $1,701 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,036 of the $7,737 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Missouri
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Missouri is $126.46, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Missouri costs $14.57 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to a 2024 ConsumerAffairs study, the salary needed for a single adult in Kansas City, Missouri, is $54,331.54. You could also live comfortably with an hourly wage of $26.12.
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in St. Louis, Missouri?
In a 2024 ConsumerAffairs study on income needed to live in America’s largest cities, we found that you’d need a salary of $51,639.32 or an hourly wage of $24.83 to live comfortably in St. Louis, Missouri.
How much does it cost to move?
Moving costs vary widely based on both how far you’re moving and whether you move yourself or hire a mover. You might spend a few hundred dollars if you’re moving yourself or moving a short distance, but if you hire movers for a long-distance move, you could spend several thousand dollars.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
