Planning your move to the Show-Me State? You’re not alone! More than 163,000 people are moving to Missouri annually, which is why its population has reached 6.2 million in 2024.
The Show-Me State is an affordable place to live. Living cost in Missouri is $2,567 per month. median home price of $264K—38% lower than the national average. Plus, the state’s four distinct seasons, from warm summers to cold winters appeal to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to Missouri
Missouri is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to MO:
| # | Reasons to Move to MO | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Missouri is 8% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Show-Me State aims to add 136,160 jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Missouri serves over 879,000 students across 554 school districts. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Missouri is 14.4% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Missouri’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Kansas City | $290,000 | $1,296 | $110 | $223.13 | $611 |
| St. Louis | $226,500 | $1,240 | $92.3 | $204 | $587 |
| Springfield | $219,000 | $1,120 | $52 | $204 | $442 |
| Columbia | $340,000 | $1,525 | $50.2 | $182.59 | $495 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Missouri
Missouri’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Show-Me State aims to add 136,160 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing is one of Missouri’s largest industries, employing over 280,000 people. Top employers include Boeing and Emerson Electric. The sector is expected to add more than 4,300 jobs by 2032.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: Healthcare is Missouri’s fastest-growing industry, projected to add nearly 46,438 jobs by 2032. High-demand roles include registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides. Leading employers are Mercy Health and BJC Healthcare.
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: This sector covers finance, consulting, and management-related fields, with 20,201 new jobs expected by 2032. Roles in advertising, PR, and management are especially in high demand.
- Transportation and Warehousing: Due to Missouri’s central location, this sector is set to grow by 8.4%, adding nearly 9,870 jobs by 2032. Key roles will be in logistics, warehousing, and truck transportation. Major employers include Union Pacific Railroad and FedEx.
3. Education and Schools in Missouri
Missouri serves over 879,000 students across 554 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options, including:
- Public Schools: Missouri has around 2,261 public schools known for their academic excellence and innovative programs. St. Louis and Kansas City 33 are the top school districts of the state. Top public schools in Missouri include Parkway West High School and Clayton High School.
- Magnet and Charter Programs: MO has over 77 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Crossroads High School and Frontier STEM High School are some of the top charter schools in the state.
- Private Schools: Missouri is home to over 696 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $11,358 annually. Top-rated schools include John Burroughs in St. Louis and Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City.
- Higher Education: Missouri has a robust higher education system with 67 public colleges and universities. The University of Missouri and Washington University are some of the well-known universities in the country. They are known for their journalism, medicine, and law programs.
Cost of Moving to Missouri 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to MO:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $421 to $4,162
Moving to Missouri involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Missouri movers typically cost $128 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Missouri.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Missouri.
- When relocating to Missouri, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in MO is around $447/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Missouri. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in MO ranges from $18 – $50. A standard title fee costs around $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Show-Me State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Missouri, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Missouri in your budget. Popular suburbs like Webster Groves have a median home price of $432K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in smaller cities like Barnhart is $280K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Missouri ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to MO, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Missouri neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
