17 Best Places to Live in Missouri in 2023

The best places to live in Missouri include thriving cities, beautiful sceneries, quality schools, and cultural offerings. Not to mention that Missouri is rich with the history of Mark Twain and bank-robbing outlaws — and irresistible barbecue. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Missouri, and often at an affordable price point.

With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to see why it’s called the Show Me State. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the best cities in Missouri. Here’s where to start your next apartment search.

1. Saint Louis

• Population: 286,578
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,112
• Median household income: $48,751
• Walk score: 66
• Transit score: 43
• Bike score: 58

Dubbed the Gateway to the West, Saint Louis offers affordable rents and modern amenities for renters. As one of the best cities to live in Missouri, Saint Louis also boasts a growing arts scene with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, including the Saint Louis Art Museum and the historic Fabulous Fox theater. Saint Louis is also known as a college town, where students attend the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and Washington University in Saint Louis.

Renters have their choice of trendy neighborhoods, including The Grove and Central West End, with bustling nightlife and diverse dining options. The lower cost of living leaves more room in your budget to take in a show or sporting event with the Saint Louis Blues hockey team. It’s also a great city to launch your career and still live affordably without compromising on fun.

2. Clayton

• Population: 17,130
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,895
• Median household income: $117,593
• Walk score: 49
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 55

The upscale suburb of Clayton, Missouri, sits west of Saint Louis for quick access. Despite its suburb status, it boasts a charming, walkable downtown with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. It also has its own cultural outlets, including music venues and galleries. If you're looking for nature, Shaw Park boasts walking trails and sports facilities surrounded by green space.

Renters are attracted to Clayton for its tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere and short transit ride into Saint Louis. It’s a desirable place for renters seeking a mix of suburban security and the convenience of nearby urban amenities.

3. Creve Coeur

• Population: 18,565
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,425
• Median household income: $100,810
• Walk score: 27
• Transit score: 22
• Bike score: 24

Creve Coeur, Missouri, is less than 20 minutes from Saint Louis by car and offers a tranquil backdrop with modern conveniences. The city is known for its technology, life and biosciences, and medical services. Beyond job opportunities, it provides plenty of green space and is home to Millennium Park, attracting locals to outdoor activities, picnics, and leisurely strolls.

Creve Coeur is a win for families looking for safety and top-rated schools. The town is consistently ranked among the safest, best towns in Missouri. With a focus on community, the city boasts community-organized events and activities to build connections and relationships. You’re always a short drive from major shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options. Renters can take their pick of luxury apartments and single-family homes to lease to find the space they need.

4. Glendale

• Population: 6,077
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $849
• Median household income: $147,685
• Walk score: 36
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 45

The picture-perfect Glendale, Missouri, provides a tight-knit community known for its historic backdrop and friendly neighbors. Renters live in updated apartments or historic homes for rent. The top-notch schools and quick commute into Saint Louis are a draw for families and commuters.

Glendale isn’t known for its cultural attractions and nightlife. But when you need an urban fix, Saint Louis is just over 10 miles away for everything you need, including dining and music. What Glendale lacks in urban amenities, it makes up for in green space with the Algonquin Golf Club.

5. Wildwood

• Population: 34,954
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,350
• Median household income: $140,685
• Walk score: 9
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 17

The rolling hills and forests of Wildwood, Missouri, draw visitors looking for natural beauty, recreation, and a strong sense of community. Although it’s not as convenient to Saint Louis as other suburbs, it takes just 40 minutes to make the trip by car. But if you love outdoor pursuits, Wildwood is a good choice, with vast trail systems at Babler State Park and Greensfelder Park. You can fish and boat at area rivers or hit the slopes during winter at Hidden Valley Ski Resort.

The city also commits to the preservation of green spaces and wildlife habitats for a peaceful environment away from the bustle of city life. There’s still plenty to do in Wildwood, including attending annual concerts, farmers markets, and festivals. With good schools and as one of the safest places to live in Missouri, Wildwood is a great pick for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and young professionals growing their careers.

6. Chesterfield

• Population: 49,327
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,735
• Median household income: $124,551
• Walk score: 19
• Transit score: 11
• Bike score: 23

Chesterfield is known as the City of Volunteers for its history of community involvement. Beyond civic involvement, there are also outlet malls and premier shopping centers with dining and entertainment venues. Like much of the Saint Louis region, Chesterfield boasts well-maintained parks, including Faust Park and Central Park.

Renters can choose between apartment buildings and historic homes for rent with a reasonable 25-minute commute to Saint Louis. If you're part of the sandwich generation and are juggling kids and aging parents, Chesterfield is also home to high-quality senior living facilities and top-rated schools. On weekends, enjoy lunch downtown followed by a stop at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House or shopping at the longest outdoor strip mall in the U.S.

7. Kirkwood

• Population: 29,279
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $849
• Median household income: $98,637
• Walk score: 37
• Transit score: 22
• Bike score: 32

Known as the Queen of the Suburbs, Kirkwood was the first planned suburb located west of the Mississippi River. Built in 1893, the historic Kirkwood Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Kirkwood boasts a vibrant downtown, a children's museum, high-quality schools, and a historic small-town feel.

Renters enjoy Kirkwood’s walkable downtown, parks, and festivals. Kirkwood has also been ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by Money magazine for its unique shops, dining, and picturesque backdrop in a historic setting. You’re a 20-minute commute from Saint Louis and near major highways, blending the best of both worlds.

8. Webster Groves

• Population: 23,610
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,580
• Median household income: $98,284
• Walk score: 49
• Transit score: 23
• Bike score: 40

Webster Groves has a long-standing foundation in the arts and culture and was named a Creative Community by the Missouri Arts Council. Locals take in performances at the Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis, Ozark Theatre (also known as Webster Groves Concert Hall), the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves. Webster Groves is also a college town and hosts Webster University.

If you're looking to commute to Saint Louis, it's only a 17-minute drive. Beyond all the live performances and art, you're never far from dining and festivals in a tight-knit community where culture and the arts are embraced.

9. Ballwin

• Population: 30,622
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,115
• Median household income: $107,806
• Walk score: 20
• Transit score: 7
• Bike score: 21

Situated about 30 minutes west of Saint Louis, Ballwin is a popular tourist destination with attractions including the Sky Music Lounge and Castlewood State Park. There's no shortage of recreation opportunities at the 64,000-square-foot indoor community center, complete with an aquatic facility.

Renters choose from apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes to shape the lifestyle they want. It can serve as a cozy suburb or a bustling outlet for the best of what the Saint Louis metro area has to offer. It’s also worth noting that Ballwin is one of the safest towns in Missouri.

10. Columbia

• Population: 128,555
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $625
• Median household income: $57,463
• Walk score: 30
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 40

Columbia is home to the University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou, and Columbia College. With a thriving public art scene, Columbia always has something going on, from festivals to art openings. As one of the top cities in Missouri, Columbia has a population that skews toward the college crowd and a younger workforce, although it’s welcoming to people of all ages and walks of life.

Columbia is teeming with restaurants, pubs, and entertainment, but there's more to do beyond its modern convenience. If you're into outdoor entertainment, there are multiple places to choose from, including Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the MKT Trail.

11. Ozark

• Population: 22,512
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $675
• Median household income: $62,169
• Walk score: 16
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 24

As one of the most beautiful places in Missouri, Ozark is a stunning natural backdrop with sparkling springs, waterfalls, caves, caverns, and karst landforms. It's the perfect place if you love water activities, including premier trout fishing and boating on Lake Taneycomo, which is within driving distance. Tourists come in the summer months to enjoy the Lakes of the Ozarks, antique stores, and shopping.

Renters choose Ozark for its strong economy, highly rated schools, and high quality of life. Depending on your interests, tourist season can feel like a win or a distraction from a more peaceful way of life beyond the city. Ozark is also a haven for musicians and artists looking for a reasonable cost of living in a supportive community.

12. Liberty

• Population: 30,775
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $850
• Median household income: $81,352
• Walk score: 23
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 25

Liberty has an interesting claim to fame as the location of the first daytime bank robbery in the United States, according to infamous American outlaw Jesse James. With a historic downtown and cultural outlets, Liberty has grown into an important commercial, government, and educational presence in Missouri. It's also a suburb of Kansas City, the largest city in Missouri by population, with a commute that takes less than 30 minutes.

Liberty is also home to William Jewell College and other private colleges and universities, attracting a student population. It’s an idyllic city for lovers of the arts, history, and culture. The area is home to five historic districts and numerous properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

13. Lee’s Summit

• Population: 103,465
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $975
• Median household income: $98,960
• Walk score: 20
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 29

Lee’s Summit is known for its award-winning downtown district, parks, trails, and dining. It's only 30 minutes by car from Kansas City, Missouri, attracting commuters to a slower pace of life. It's also known as the hometown of famed outlaw Cole Younger, who rode with the James-Younger Gang.

With a convenient location near Kansas City, Lee's Summit is a popular choice for renters looking for a good economy and a safe, family-friendly vibe. You’re never far from boutiques and dining, or you can take advantage of Kansas City’s more expansive culture and dining options, including its legendary barbecue and jazz.

14. Saint Charles

• Population: 32,750
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,416
• Median household income: $106,069
• Walk score: 33
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 30

Saint Charles, Missouri, is a riverport town known as a Lewis and Clark site and holds a spot on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Renters can live near Old Town Saint Charles for shops, restaurants, and antique stores or Main Street for more modern options. Saint Charles is also known for a surprising amount of gambling and a vibrant casino.

Saint Charles was the first capitol of Missouri, and despite all its rich history, it is home to several companies. Locals work at Patriot Machine Inc., Rx Systems Inc., and at the regional offices of Coca-Cola Enterprises and Sysco.

15. Town and Country

• Population: 11,584
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,115
• Median household income: $211,429
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A

Town and Country is home to several sites in Missouri, including the Myseum interactive museum. Beyond great places to work, like the Missouri Baptist Medical Center, or MOBAP, there are also plenty of outdoor stops and wilderness. Families, young professionals, and retirees choose Town and Country for its rural feel and top-rated schools.

In Town and Country, single-family homes are a renter’s best bet. You'll still find some apartments complete with swimming pools and modern amenities for an upscale living experience. If you're planning to commute, you can also get to Saint Louis in less than 25 minutes while enjoying an affordable cost of living.

16. Springfield

• Population: 170,067
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $675
• Median household income: $39,991
• Walk score: 39
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 51

Celebrated as the Queen City of the Ozarks, Springfield is the third-most populated city in Missouri. Its homes along rolling green spaces create a tranquil, picture-perfect backdrop. It's also a popular spot for college students who attend Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University.

You'll find a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene in Springfield, but there are also wildlife museums, aquariums, and nearby Ozark landscapes to explore. Renters should be aware the Springfield, Missouri crime rate is among the highest in the country, with a 1-in-12 chance of being a victim of a property crime. Even so, with a growing job market in healthcare and other sectors, Springfield’s low cost of living and strong economy provide a promising environment for newcomers.

17. Blue Springs

• Population: 59,518
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,035
• Median household income: $78,516
• Walk score: 25
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 31

Blue Springs is a nature lover's dream and boasts its namesake, the deepest spring in Missouri, at 310 feet — deep enough to accommodate the entire Statue of Liberty. Most attractions are also nature-focused, with stops including the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Colonial Gardens, and Lake Remembrance.

Situated 19 miles from downtown Kansas City, Blue Springs is desirable for commuters looking for a quiet lifestyle near nature and high-quality schools. It's also considered one of the best places to live in Missouri, though it appeals more to families than retirees. Still, you have apartment options in downtown Blue Springs or the surrounding area in townhouses and single-family homes.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting With Apartment List

The best places to live in Missouri offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a college student, an individual who wants to live in the middle of the Ozarks’ beauty, or a family that enjoys the best of what Kansas City and Saint Louis have to offer, you can find it in the Show Me State.

Ready to find your next apartment in one of these most popular cities in Missouri? Sign up for Apartment List and take our quick, personalized quiz to narrow down the best options for your next move. With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Cost of Living in Missouri Compare to Other States in the US?

The cost of living in Missouri is significantly lower than the national average. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Missouri had the seventh lowest cost of living in the United States for the second quarter of 2023.

What are the Fastest-Growing Industries in Missouri?

The fastest-growing industries in Missouri are:

• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Professional and business services

What's the Weather Like in Missouri?

The weather in Missouri is generally mild. Summers are warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are cold and snowy, but the snow usually doesn't last long. Spring and fall are pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rain.

What Is the Arts and Entertainment Scene Like in Missouri?

The arts and entertainment scene in Missouri is vibrant and diverse, with something to offer everyone. From world-class museums and theaters to lively music venues and art galleries, Missouri has something to entertain people of all ages and interests.

What's the Quality of the Education System in Missouri?

Missouri offers a solid educational foundation. With institutions like the University of Missouri network and a variety of good K-12 schools, families in the state have several educational choices.