Moving to Missouri: What You Need to Know
Missouri offers two major metro areas -- Kansas City and St. Louis -- each with affordable housing, growing job markets, and distinct cultural identities. Kansas City is known for its barbecue, jazz heritage, and a booming tech sector, while St. Louis offers a strong healthcare corridor anchored by Washington University and BJC HealthCare. With median home prices around $230,000 statewide and a recently reduced top income tax rate of 4.8%, Missouri provides a cost-effective Midwestern lifestyle with big-city amenities.
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Cost of Living in Missouri
Median Home Price
$230,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050/mo
Avg Local Move
$850
Avg Long-Distance Move
$3,700
Taxes in Missouri
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2%–4.8% (progressive) |
| Effective Property Tax | 0.93% |
| State Sales Tax | 4.225% + local up to 5.5% |
Job Market & Economy
Missouri Climate & Weather
Four seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. St. Louis is milder than Kansas City. Severe storms, tornadoes, and ice storms occur in spring. Fall is pleasant.
Best Cities to Move to in Missouri
Pros and Cons of Living in Missouri
Pros
- +Very affordable housing in both major metros
- +Two distinct and vibrant metro areas (KC and STL)
- +No earnings tax for most residents (only in KC and STL city limits)
- +Strong healthcare and financial services job markets
Cons
- -High combined sales tax in many areas
- -Severe weather risk including tornadoes and ice storms
- -Earnings tax of 1% applies within KC and STL city limits
- -Some rural areas face economic decline
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to Missouri?
A local move within Missouri averages $700–$1,200. Moving from neighboring states costs $1,000–$2,500. Cross-country moves to Missouri typically run $3,000–$6,000. Missouri's central location keeps costs moderate from most US origins.
Is Kansas City or St. Louis better to move to?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a more spread-out suburban feel, a booming tech sector, world-famous BBQ, and is growing faster. St. Louis has more historic neighborhoods, a stronger healthcare and biotech corridor, free world-class attractions (Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center), and slightly lower housing costs. Both offer median home prices of $200,000–$280,000 in good areas.
What is Missouri's earnings tax?
Kansas City and St. Louis city limits impose a 1% earnings tax on all income earned within city limits. This only applies if you live or work within the actual city boundaries -- suburban residents in areas like Lee's Summit, O'Fallon, or Chesterfield do not pay it. This tax is a common reason people live in the suburbs and commute to the city cores.
What is the weather like in Missouri?
Missouri has four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers (90–95°F) and cold winters (20–35°F). St. Louis gets about 16 inches of snow while Kansas City averages 18 inches. The state is in Tornado Alley and sees severe storms in spring. Ice storms can occur in winter and are often more disruptive than snow. Fall is the most pleasant season with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage.
What are the best suburbs in Missouri?
In Kansas City: Lee's Summit, Overland Park (KS side), and Liberty are top picks. In St. Louis: Chesterfield, Kirkwood, and Clayton offer excellent schools and walkable downtowns. Columbia is a great stand-alone option with the University of Missouri and a strong quality of life. O'Fallon is the fastest-growing suburb in the St. Louis metro with affordable new construction.