Cost of living in Missouri
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Missouri are 9.2% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 90.8 (U.S. = 100), making it the #13 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Missouri with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Missouri prices
- 6.9% pricier
- Take-home in Missouri at $75,000
- $59,059$4,922 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $63,117$5,260 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −2.4%−$1,524 a year in Missouri buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Missouri take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Missouri with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Missouri as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Missouri? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Missouri prices by category
| Category | Missouri | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 90.8 | −9.2% |
| Goods | 96.3 | −3.7% |
| Housing (rent) | 69.9 | −30.1% |
| Utilities | 79.4 | −20.6% |
| Other services | 95.2 | −4.8% |
Low housing costs keep Missouri affordable: rents run 30% below average. The overall price level fell 0.3% relative to the nation versus 2023 (91.1). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Missouri, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,013 | $40,987 | $45,132 | $55,056 |
| $75,000 | $15,941 | $59,059 | $65,031 | $82,584 |
| $100,000 | $24,490 | $75,510 | $83,145 | $110,112 |
At $75,000, Missouri ranks #14 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Missouri paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Missouri equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Missouri. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Missouri once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | −3.4% | $72,477 | $71,511 |
| Illinois | +10.1% | $82,549 | $85,671 |
| Kentucky | −0.7% | $74,457 | $74,321 |
| Tennessee | +1.2% | $75,870 | $72,372 |
| Arkansas | −4.3% | $71,796 | $70,845 |
| Oklahoma | −3.3% | $72,544 | $72,512 |
| Kansas | −0.8% | $74,381 | $75,563 |
| Nebraska | −0.8% | $74,410 | $74,293 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | −4.3% | $71,809 | $70,813 |
| California | +21.9% | $91,437 | $98,622 |
| Hawaii | +21.1% | $90,802 | $97,623 |
| Washington, DC | +21.0% | $90,760 | $96,628 |
| New Jersey | +19.8% | $89,855 | $94,284 |
| Texas | +6.9% | $80,153 | $77,167 |
| Florida | +13.9% | $85,403 | $83,043 |
| New York | +18.8% | $89,125 | $94,259 |
Moving from Missouri to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Missouri expensive to live in?
Missouri has a price level of 90.8 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 9.2% below the national average. It ranks #13 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Missouri?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $68,113 in Missouri before taxes. After Missouri taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,059 — worth $65,031 at U.S.-average prices, #14 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Missouri?
Missouri's housing price level is 69.9, meaning rents are 30.1% below the national average. Goods are 96.3 and utilities 79.4.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Arkansas (price level 86.9, −4.3% vs Missouri). A $75,000 Missouri salary is equivalent to $70,845 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.