Cost of Living in Missouri, 2023
Missouri is a great state with lots to offer, from exciting cities with countless activities to take part in all the way to quiet rural towns. Best of all, both are within a short driving distance from one another, so you can quickly change up your scene at any time.
The overall cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average, making it an excellent place for anyone to start a new life. You can enjoy abundant waterways, including streams, rivers, and lakes, as well as the water sports they include.
With so many different types of cityscapes to offer, you can easily find something within your budget by taking a closer look at the cost of living in Missouri. The good news is, we’ve already done all the research, so you don’t have to.
Start by checking out this apartment guide, then keep scrolling for all the details on building your new budget in Missouri.
Missouri Housing Costs
When it comes to living expenses, your housing costs will always be at the top of your list. It doesn’t matter where you choose to live or what costs you have, whether a monthly mortgage or rent payment. You can get a better idea of just how high these costs can be by building a budget around your anticipated housing costs in your new state.
As previously mentioned, the cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average. Of course, you’ll want to get an idea of what areas might be within your budget, though. Kansas City, Missouri's average rent is $998 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,150 for a two-bedroom. In St. Louis, you'll pay $866 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,106 for a two-bedroom.
Though Missouri’s rent prices are relatively affordable, you can still save considerably by renting with a roommate. For example, if you rent in Kansas City and split the two-bedroom apartment costs, you can save approximately $499 per month, which adds up to $5,988 over a 12-month lease!
Missouri has rental properties in all forms, from modern high-rise apartments in the city to single-family homes in the suburbs. There’s something to fit every renter’s taste in Missouri.
Finding the Best Missouri Apartment for You
If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12 month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.
Missouri Transportation
Getting around in Missouri can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $5,305 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. If you’re a family of four with two working adults and two children, you can anticipate paying around $14,456 in transportation costs on an annual basis.
The Missouri Public Transit Association is the state’s public transit agency, covering everything for the state, including:
- Urban transit systems
- Rural transit systems
- The elderly and disabled transportation
- Human service agency systems
- Taxicab companies
- Light rail transit systems and projects
- University transportation services
As you can imagine, public transportation is better in the major cities. While public transportation is available in all non-urban areas, it may be limited in frequency. So, if you’re planning to move to Missouri, having reliable private transit is going to be your best bet. You can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the most popular cities in Missouri:
- Kansas City: $3.30/gallon
- St. Louis: $3.20/gallon
Considering the national average is currently $3.80 per gallon of regular gas, Missouri’s gasoline costs are considerably low.
Missouri Food Costs
The average single Missouri resident spends around $3,423 annually on food, roughly $285.25 per month. On the other hand, a family of four with two working adults and two children spends about $10,068 annually, approximately $839 per month.
These figures are associated with food picked up at the local Hy-Vee, Global Foods Market, or Jay International Food Co and entirely prepared in the home. So, if you’re anything short of a culinary genius, you may also want to budget for additional food costs.
With so many delicious restaurants and iconic Missouri foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside of your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget so you can try out the famous BBQ, Provel cheese, and toasted ravioli.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant:
- Kansas City: $65/meal
- St. Louis: $60/meal
Missouri Healthcare Costs
No matter where you’re moving, a top priority should always be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Part of staying healthy means ensuring that you have proper health insurance, whether you only see your doctor for regular checkups or suffer from chronic illnesses. Also, having good medical coverage can be helpful should any emergencies arise in your new hometown.
A single adult without children will pay around $2,666 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $9,141.
Before moving to Missouri, check out the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available. Also, keep in mind that health insurance enrollment periods typically fall in November. So, if you plan to move any other time of the year, you can report your move to ensure you qualify for out-of-state coverage.
If you’re still on your parent’s medical insurance and are under 26, you might be able to stay on their policy even if you’re moving out of state. Check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location to be sure.
Missouri Utilities
Your average utility bills can vary dramatically depending on the city you move to in Missouri. Considering the national average cost of utilities is $240 monthly, the averages throughout Missouri are reasonable. Only the popular city of St. Joseph is slightly above the national average.
The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment, is broken down by the most popular cities in Missouri:
- Kansas City: $168.51/month
- St. Louis: $181.36/month
Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!
Remember that these average costs do not include other expenses, such as the internet. The average monthly cost of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these popular cities are:
- Kansas City: $69.54/month
- St. Louis: $61.93/month
Your cell phone bill is another important bill to take into account. According to the national average, your monthly cell phone bill will cost you around $114 per month.
You might be able to bundle your cell phone with your internet provider to help save on monthly costs. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider about these discounts and more, including specials for new customers.
Missouri Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Missouri, which is why it’s essential to understand the costs associated with them.
Fitness
Missouri is one of the many states that enjoys four distinct seasons year-round. Summers are muggy and hot, while winters are incredibly snowy and cold. The frigid temperatures of the winter months can make outdoor exercise challenging to maintain year-round. To keep your fitness year-round, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in Missouri’s most popular cities is relatively low:
- Kansas City: $50.90/month
- St. Louis: $54.65/month
With many expansive waterways in Missouri, it’s no surprise that the state has several outdoor activities that can help you save on costs when weather permits. Stroll around a lake, hike to the highest points, and enjoy a swim at the beach. But, if you plan to be outdoors year-round, remember that you’ll have to adjust your wardrobe accordingly, which will also come at an additional cost.
National and State Parks
Missouri is home to thirteen different national parks. Some of the most popular are:
- Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis
- George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence and Grandview
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
- Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
In addition to national parks, Missouri has 92 state parks. The state park system in Missouri is so expansive that it has been ranked in the top four in the nation on multiple occasions.
Museums
You’ll also find countless museums in Missouri, great for year-round family entertainment. Some of the state’s most famous museums include:
- Steamboat Arabia in Kansas City
- City Museum of St. Louis
- Missouri History Museum in St. Louis
- Titanic Museum in Branson
- Museum of Art and Archaeology in Columbia
Other Expenses to Consider in Missouri
Missouri has a progressive state income tax and a statewide sales tax of 4.225%, with different counties and cities adding on additional rates. For those looking to move to Missouri and buy a home, the good news is that you can look forward to a lower property tax rate than the national average.
When it comes to significant moves from out of state, there are additional expenses you’ll need to consider, such as movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Once you get to your new home, there are even more add-on costs that you may incur, including additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits.
Lastly, another often overlooked cost comes with furnishing your new home. Since you’ll want to make sure your new house feels like home, you’ll have to account for this spending in your budget as well. Check out a few tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to help you avoid overspending in this area of your move.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Missouri?
The type of lifestyle you plan to lead in Missouri will drastically impact your recommended salary. You can look at a few different budgeting options to determine an ideal salary if you find you’re having trouble figuring it out on your own. Keep in mind that the various methods will range drastically and will not necessarily account for extracurricular activities.
The average salary in Missouri is $61,043 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Living Wage
The living wage in Missouri is $16.29 an hour, which is the basic wage needed to pay for essentials, such as housing, food, and necessities for an individual adult.
Average Salary Index
The average salary index in Missouri is in the higher range across the country at $66,000 per year, which is roughly $33.50 an hour.
The 30% Rule
You can also apply the 30% rule to help you determine your recommended salary in Missouri. According to this rule, you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent.
For example, if you’re planning to rent in Kansas City, the median rent for a one-bedroom is $988. When you apply the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least $3,293.33 or an annual salary of $39,520.
Final Thoughts
If you want to move to an incredible state offering everything from rural suburbs to booming cities, Missouri might be the state for you. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Missouri!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Missouri
How expensive is an apartment in Missouri?
A 1-bedroom in St. Louis, Missouri costs $866, and a 2-bedroom costs $1,150.
What is the cheapest rent in Missouri?
A cheap rent price in Missouri can be found in St. Louis, MO. It costs $866 for a 1-bedroom here.
How expensive is it to live in Missouri?
Transportation costs in Missouri amount to $5,305 a year. Food costs $3,423 a year on average for a single resident of Missouri. A one-bedroom apartment in Kansas City, MO costs $988 and a two-bedroom costs $1,150. A one-bedroom apartment in St. Louis costs $866 and a two-bedroom costs $1,106.
What is the population of Missouri?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Missouri is 6,177,957. It is the 19th most populated state in the U.S.
What is a good salary in Missouri?
The average salary in Missouri is $61,043 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So making the average amount or more than this would be a good salary in Missouri.
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