Moving to Missouri? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Missouri is a state situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, and is known as the “Show-Me State” – although its origins aren’t exactly known. Within Missouri, visitors can experience diverse landscapes such as the Ozarks, complimented by urban centres such as Kansas City, known for its jazz roots.

If you are considering moving to Missouri, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Missouri Facts:

Population: 6.168 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $58,000 (2021)
Random Fact: Kansas City has more fountains than any city in the world – with the exception of Rome – totalling around 200, giving it the title of the City of Fountains.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Missouri

Below are the average moving costs to Missouri from other major US states.

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$3,500 – $5,500
Texas	$2,700 – $4,300
Florida	$3,200 – $5,200
New York	$3,800 – $6,000
Pennsylvania	$3,300 – $5,300
Illinois	$2,500 – $4,000
Ohio	$2,800 – $4,600
Georgia	$3,000 – $4,800
North Carolina	$3,100 – $5,100
Michigan	$3,000 – $5,000

Also see: 5 Best International Moving Companies in Missouri

2. Missouri Housing Costs

Uptown neighbourhoods, especially in major cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, tend to have higher house purchase prices ranging from $250,000 to $600,000, while downtown areas offer more affordable options, with house purchase prices ranging from $150,000 to $350,000.

Monthly Rental Prices in Missouri:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $2,500+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,200+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,500+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,500+

Missouri Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Missouri compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 40.5% more expensive
New York is 31.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 42% more expensive
Toronto is 16.2% more expensive
Sydney is 30.2% more expensive
Paris is 0.1% cheaper
Dubai is 17% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommates and SpareRoom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: St. Louis offers a diverse real estate market, with a range of neighbourhoods to choose from. In uptown areas such as Clayton and Ladue, house prices are generally higher, with average prices ranging from $400,000 to $1 million or more.

3. Missouri Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

The state is known for its barbecue traditions, with Kansas City-style ribs and St. Louis-style pork spare ribs being popular regional specialities, while toasted ravioli is a beloved appetiser and gooey butter cake is a sweet treat to indulge in.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
Takeout Coffee: $5.25
Bottle of Coke: $2.30
1L of Milk: $1.00
Loaf of Bread: $2.75
12 Eggs: $4.30
1kg Chicken: $10.00
1kg Beef: $12.60
1kg Apples: $3.70
1kg White Rice: $3.15

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 28.6% more expensive and groceries are 9.4% cheaper than Missouri.
New York restaurants are 31.4% more expensive and groceries are 34.7% more expensive.
Los Angeles restaurants are 28.3% more expensive and groceries are 18.5% more expensive.
Toronto restaurants are 7.7% more expensive and groceries are 5.2% more expensive.
Sydney restaurants are 11.9% more expensive and groceries are 16.5% more expensive.
Paris restaurants are 3.5% more expensive and groceries are 14.2% more expensive.
Dubai restaurants are 1.8% more expensive and groceries are 32.3% cheaper.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Missouri is home to a variety of vibrant farmers’ markets where locals and visitors can find fresh produce, locally made goods, and artisanal products. There are also a range of supermarket options that cater to different budgets, from affordable grocery store chains to upscale supermarkets offering speciality and organic products.
Find Cheap Eats: Missouri has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Missouri Alcohol Costs

Missouri, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.50
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.30
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $15.00

How To Drink For Less in Missouri:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Happy Hour links.

5. Missouri Transportation Fares

Public transport in Missouri varies depending on the specific region. Major cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have well-established public transit systems, including buses, light rail, and commuter trains, offering convenient transportation options for residents and visitors. However, in more rural areas, public transport options may be more limited, with reliance on personal vehicles being more common.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.75
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $50.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Missouri

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Missouri ranges from around 11 to 16 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from -6 to 4 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. The wettest month in Missouri tends to vary, but on average, it is often May or June, with higher rainfall amounts during this time of the year.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $55.00
Summer Dress: $55.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $110.00
Business Shoes: $170.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $60.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $15.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Missouri

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Missouri. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Missouri from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Missouri:

Volkswagen Golf: $24,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.85

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Missouri:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Missouri

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The state sales tax rate is 4.225%. However, it’s important to note that there may be additional local sales taxes imposed by cities, counties, and special taxing districts, which can vary.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Missouri at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Missouri you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Missouri

If you do make the move to Missouri, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $570
New York: $110
Los Angeles: $80
Toronto: $170
Vancouver: $190
Dubai: $920
Sydney: $1,110
Melbourne: $980
Cape Town: $1,130
Hong Kong: $940

Other Tips on Moving to Missouri:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Missouri but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Missouri Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Missouri.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Missouri always has something going on. Have a look at Visit Missouri.

12. Moving to Missouri with a Family

Missouri offers various family-friendly destinations and activities, such as amusement parks, museums, and outdoor recreational areas. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have family-oriented attractions, including zoos, science centers, and parks, catering to all ages. However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary across different areas within the state.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Family Birth Center.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: One area often recognized for its family-friendly environment is the suburb of Lee’s Summit, located near Kansas City. Additionally, other cities like O’Fallon, Chesterfield, and Blue Springs are also known for their family-friendly amenities, good schools, and safe neighbourhoods, providing great options for families looking for a welcoming community to call home.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Missouri. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – take a look at Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Missouri for Work

While it is possible to move to Missouri without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Missouri, US, encompass a diverse range of sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and financial services. The state is known for its thriving automotive and aerospace industries, as well as its robust healthcare and food processing sectors. In September 2021, the unemployment rate in Missouri was around 4.1%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Missouri, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Missouri from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Missouri, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The state of Victoria in Australia has an area of approximately 87,800 square miles, close to Missouri’s 69,000 square miles.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Missouri that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Missouri from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Missouri. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: The province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada has an area of approximately 68,400 square miles, close to that of Missouri.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Missouri from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Missouri. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: The combined area of Scotland and Wales totals approximately 68,060 square miles, which is close to the size of Missouri.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Missouri, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Missouri you can start by comparing moving quotes here.