Missouri is a state in the Midwestern area of the United States.
It is in 21st place in land area, and it is the 19th-most populous state in America.
Missouri is also known as the Show-Me State.
Here in the text below, we will show you the actual cost of living in this state and which cities are the most expensive for living here.
Keep reading the post, and you will discover everything about the costs of living in this beautiful state.
Contents
Is Missouri a Good Place to Live?
Missouri is a marvelous place for living and has everything for everyone.
It is a state full of beautiful cities with plenty of things to do and see.
Also, it is rich in culture, nature, tasty food, and so much more.
Did we mention that this state has exceptional schools, libraries, and museums?
So, now that we have seen all the beauties this state has to ever, let’s talk about the actual cost of living in this state.
In fact, the cost of living in Missouri is less expensive than the national average, specifically in housing costs.
Generally, living in downtown cities is more expensive than living in more rural areas.
In contrast, the rural areas in Missouri are less expensive.
Knowing that Missouri is home to eight metropolitan areas, the most expensive in the state is definitely Kansas City.
However, one thing is obvious – it stays well below the national cost of living.
The average home in Missouri is about $190.000.
That is around $70.000 below the national median home value.
Also, renting a home in this state is on the affordable side.
The median monthly rent is just $850, or much lower than the national average monthly rent.
Transportation Costs
In Missouri, unfortunately, most cities don’t offer public transportation, although some of the larger cities can be the exception.
For instance, passes for all local and MAX buses cost around $48 per month.
Utility Costs
Monthly utility bills are another place where you can save money in Missouri — but not so much.
Generally, your monthly bills will be about 1.3% lower than the national average.
One of the main reasons for this is the high electric bill.
However, the prices vary a lot.
In Saint Louis, for example, the monthly utility bill is around $190.00, while in Kansas City – the average is $170.00
Food Costs
Food prices in supermarkets and dining out also help keep the cost of living in Missouri low.
In fact, grocery prices are averaging roughly 7% below the national average.
A single adult will spend an average of $3,000 on food per year, compared to the national average of $3.250.
And a family of four will spend $8,900 per year, which is considerably lower than the national average.
Here is a list of some of the average prices for daily grocery store items in Missouri.
A one-liter water bottle in the supermarket is around $2.50, a gallon of milk is $2.30, and a loaf of bread is just $1.20.
These prices are not so costly compared to other prices in states in the whole of America.
Healthcare Costs
And the last one -healthcare costs.
We have to note that healthcare costs are one of the sections in which this state doesn’t trend lower than the national average.
The average healthcare cost for one person is $4,900 per year, more than $500 above the national average.
For a family of four, this average annual cost increases to $15,000, or much high than the national average.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Even if we said that Missouri is a state with a low cost of living, there is a big disappointment.
Some cities are not very affordable for everyone.
So in the text below are the top five expensive cities in Missouri.
Kansas City
Straddling two states in the center of the U.S, this city is more extraordinary than most people expect from America’s heartland.
In Kansas City, there are much more fountains than Rome, more boulevards than Paris, and almost two million of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
But, what regarding the cost of living in Kansas City?
Is it true that everything is so expensive?
For example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center rises to $1.500, high above the national average.
Not to consider the food prices in supermarkets and restaurants.
They have almost doubled the prices in Missouri in general.
As for transportation costs, a monthly ticket for public transport is around $60, while a one-way ticket is $3.30.
Saint Louis
This city is known as the Gateway to the West.
Saint Louis is a large city with small-town charm.
Higher than Kansas City, but compared to the cost of living – they are identically the same.
Gateway to the West (as a nickname to St. Louis) has an average monthly cost of living of $1.900.00.
That’s more expensive than Kansas City, with an average monthly cost of living of $1.790.00.
Here is a full view of the monthly cost for St. Louis.
The bill for utilities per month is $190, and the cost for food per month is above $300.
Summing up, St. Louis’s utility prices are 15% higher than the national average.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 5% higher than the national average.
Besides, St. Louis has grocery prices 7% higher than the national average.
A loaf of bread in a supermarket is $4.00, a gallon of milk is $3.10, and a carton of eggs is around $2.10.
Springfield
Springfield is known for its big-city attractions and small-town charm.
Queen City ( as someones say) acts as a central shopping and entertainment hub for the smaller surrounding communities.
Springfield’s utility prices are 5% higher than the national average.
While transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 10% lower than the national average, here comes the healthcare costs with an unreasonable price.
In this city, only for one doctor’s appointment, you should expect to pay more than $122, while for a dentist visit – almost $110.
Housing and renting costs are almost the same as in St.Louis and Kansas City.
Jefferson City
Named America’s Most Beautiful Small Town, Jefferson City has a lot to offer visitors and its citizens.
From the city’s scenic beauty to economic opportunities, leading business and educational institutions, excellent health care, entertainment, and recreational opportunities, Jefferson City improve the quality of life for everyone.
Have you ever thought of moving to this city?
Well, firstly think about its costs of living.
Keep reading because you will find answers to the following important question – what is the expected cost of living in Jefferson City?
To start with housing costs – the average rent per one-bedroom apartment is around $1000-$1200.
The average home price is $290.500.
Healthcare in Jefferson City is 1% lower than the national average, but compared to other cities in this state is not so low.
As so, for a one doctor’s visit, you will pay a fascinating $125, while for a dentist visit above $100.
Columbia
Columbia is known as a beautiful city with something for everyone.
From Lush, green coffee plantations along the Andes Mountains to sparkling crystal beaches, this city is the second most bio-diverse in the world.
But it is the most expensive one too.
The utility bill for basic like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is above $170.
The average home price is $286.000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment monthly is $920.
Missouri Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Missouri Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Kansas Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Connecticut Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5
I’d like to see your survey include include some of the best smaller towns to live in. There are those of us looking to move to missouri but are unsure of places to live excluding big cities.
The heat in Missouri is exasperated by the extreme humidity, thus the nickname “Misery”. Spring and fall are the best all around for beauty and climate.