How Expensive Is It to Live in Missouri?
Unlock insights into Missouri's cost of living. Understand the factors shaping your budget and how location influences affordability.
Missouri offers a cost of living that makes it an appealing option for individuals and families seeking affordability. The state balances urban amenities with generally lower expenses compared to many other parts of the United States. Understanding the financial aspects, from housing to daily expenses, provides insight into what it truly costs to live in the Show-Me State.
Key Living Expenses
The primary expenses residents encounter in Missouri include housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare. These categories shape the overall cost of living within the state.
Housing costs in Missouri are generally lower than the national average. The median home price across Missouri was around $250,000 in early 2025. For those considering renting, average monthly costs vary by apartment size: a studio might be around $950, a one-bedroom $1,118, a two-bedroom $1,296, and a three-bedroom $1,631.
Utility expenses in Missouri are often comparable to or slightly below national averages. Basic utilities, including gas, electricity, water, and sewer, typically amount to about $325.51 per month. With internet and phone services, the total monthly utility expenditure can reach approximately $605.51. The average residential electricity bill ranges from $137.46 to $178 per month.
Food costs in Missouri tend to be lower than the national average. Residents might spend approximately $244 weekly on groceries for consumption at home. Dining out adds to the budget, with Missouri residents spending around $102 weekly on food prepared outside the home. For a single person, monthly grocery bills can range from $238 to $434, while a family of four might spend about $667 per month.
Transportation expenses contribute significantly to a household’s budget. The annual cost for transportation for a single resident in Missouri is estimated at $5,305. While gas prices fluctuate, the average for regular gasoline has recently been around $2.88 to $3.06 per gallon. Car insurance costs have seen increases, with average annual full coverage premiums ranging from $1,982 to $2,801.
Healthcare costs are another important consideration. The average monthly premium for a benchmark Marketplace health plan in Missouri is about $501. For an individual, the average monthly health insurance premium can be around $616. Annual healthcare spending per person is approximately $6,967. Out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, can vary widely by plan, with individual deductibles ranging from $1,650 to $5,900 and family deductibles from $3,300 to $11,800.
Miscellaneous expenses cover non-essential and discretionary spending. Missouri generally sees these costs, including personal care, entertainment, and clothing, as about 10% lower than the national average. A monthly fitness club membership in major cities like Kansas City or St. Louis can range from $50.90 to $54.65.
Geographic Cost Variations
The cost of living in Missouri is not uniform across the state, showing variations based on population density and economic activity. Larger metropolitan areas typically present higher expenses, while rural regions offer more affordable living. This regional disparity means statewide averages can be misleading for specific locations.
Major urban centers such as St. Louis and Kansas City generally have higher costs, particularly concerning housing. In Kansas City, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment was about $1,132, with overall median rent around $1,307. The average home value in Kansas City was approximately $255,000 in early 2025. St. Louis also exhibits higher costs, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $971 and overall median rent around $1,074. The median home sale price in St. Louis was about $230,000.
Mid-sized cities like Springfield, Columbia, and Joplin offer a more moderate cost of living. In Springfield, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $960, and the median home sale price is approximately $200,000. Columbia’s median home sale price stands at $315,500. Joplin often ranks as one of Missouri’s least expensive urban areas, with a cost of living index below the state average.
Rural areas across Missouri typically feature the lowest costs, especially for housing. For instance, in Polk and Dallas Counties, average asking rents can be below $600 per month. While housing and other direct costs are lower, residents in rural areas might face trade-offs, such as higher transportation costs due to longer distances to services and employment centers.
Relating Income to Expenses
Understanding typical income levels in Missouri provides context for how residents manage expenses. The relationship between income and the cost of living helps determine the overall affordability of the state.
The median household income in Missouri was $68,920 in 2023. This figure represents the midpoint of household earnings across the state. This income level provides a baseline for assessing how different households might experience the cost of living.
Missouri’s overall cost of living index was 89.0 in the third quarter of 2024, meaning it was 11% lower than the national average, which is set at 100. This positions Missouri as having the sixth-lowest cost of living in the United States. The state’s affordability is influenced by lower costs in categories such as housing, groceries, and healthcare.
The affordability of Missouri’s cost of living can be experienced differently based on income levels. For individuals earning minimum wage, budgeting for all expenses can present challenges. Conversely, those with average or higher salaries may find their income stretches further in Missouri compared to more expensive states. For example, to comfortably afford an average rent of $1,115 per month, an annual income of approximately $44,600 would be suggested, based on a guideline that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross income.