The Most Affordable Places To Live in Missouri: 8 Cities Ranked
If you’re thinking about relocating to (or moving elsewhere within) the “The Show-Me State,” you might have wondered about the affordability of Missouri.
In 2022, the state’s cost of living was the 15th least expensive in the United States. This ranking covers a variety of expenses, including goods, services and basic needs. However, in terms of housing affordability specifically, Missouri comes in 11th most affordable of the 50 states.
For our list of most affordable cities, we’ve based our data on monthly housing costs listed in the 2022 U.S. Census. It factors in what both renters and homeowners pay, giving us a good representative sample. For this list, we’ll focus on the eight most populated cities in Missouri — ranking them by affordability.
1. St. Joseph
Population: 70,634
Monthly housing costs: $805
St. Joseph tops our list as the most affordable city in Missouri. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, St. Joseph offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city. The low housing costs make it an attractive place for those looking to stretch their dollars further.
2. Springfield
Population: 170,188
Monthly housing costs: $864
The third-largest city in Missouri, Springfield is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor recreational opportunities. Housing costs here are quite reasonable, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank. Springfield’s economy is diverse, with strong healthcare, education, and retail sectors providing ample job opportunities.
3. St. Louis
Population: 281,754
Monthly housing costs: $960
St. Louis offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Despite being a major metropolitan area, St. Louis remains affordable, especially compared to other large U.S. cities. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, including professional sports teams, museums, theaters and music venues. These things make it an exciting place to live for culture enthusiasts.
4. Columbia
Population: 129,330
Monthly housing costs: $997
Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia is a lively college town with a youthful atmosphere. The city’s housing costs are modest, making it a great option for both students and professionals. Columbia is known for its excellent healthcare facilities and a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events held throughout the year.
5. Kansas City
Population: 510,704
Monthly housing costs: $1,160
Kansas City, the largest city in Missouri, is known for its jazz heritage, barbecue, and vibrant downtown area. While it’s the highest-populated city on our list, it remains relatively affordable. Kansas City boasts a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, making it easy to find a place that feels like home.
6. St. Charles
Population: 71,800
Monthly housing costs: $1,179
With its charming historic district and scenic riverfront, St. Charles offers a picturesque setting at an affordable price. The city has a friendly, small-town atmosphere while providing easy access to the amenities of nearby St. Louis. St. Charles is also known for its excellent schools and family-friendly environment.
7. Lee’s Summit
Population: 104,184
Monthly housing costs: $1,408
Lee’s Summit, a suburb of Kansas City, offers a mix of urban and suburban living with a strong sense of community. Housing costs are higher here, but residents benefit from excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Lee’s Summit has a strong local economy, with job opportunities in various sectors.
8. O’Fallon
Population: 94,074
Monthly housing costs: $1,420
O’Fallon offers a high quality of life with modern amenities. While it’s the most expensive city on our list, it still can provide good value compared to many other parts of the country. O’Fallon is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and numerous parks and recreational facilities.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, investment or tax advice. Any information within is as of the date published, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of CashNetUSA or any of its affiliates. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. We do not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate nor that it is completely free of errors when published.
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