Cheapest Places to Live in Missouri

Missouri, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, offers a variety of living experiences. Landmarks such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Harry S. Truman Library, and Branson's entertainment venues highlight the state's appeal. The state's economy is robust and diverse, driven by sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Missouri's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Missouri remains one of the more affordable states in the Midwest, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Missouri an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Missouri can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Missouri include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its historical significance and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Nevada Population: 8,198 12% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $73,500 Med. Rent: $636 Med. Household Inc.: $37,451

With a cost of living index that is 12% cheaper than the state average, Nevada is the cheapest place to live in Missouri. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Nevada provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Charleston Population: 5,478 12% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $66,800 Med. Rent: $654 Med. Household Inc.: $30,761

The second most affordable city in Missouri is Charleston and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 12% cheaper than the Missouri average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Aurora Population: 7,461 10% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $85,400 Med. Rent: $747 Med. Household Inc.: $36,433

Aurora lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Missouri, with a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

West Plains Population: 12,290 10% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $95,400 Med. Rent: $654 Med. Household Inc.: $37,154

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. West Plains offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Kennett Population: 10,069 10% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $91,400 Med. Rent: $540 Med. Household Inc.: $40,857

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Kennett is ideal, with a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Missouri average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Dexter Population: 7,867 9% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $85,400 Med. Rent: $636 Med. Household Inc.: $39,339

Dexter comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Missouri and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than Missouri. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Jennings Population: 14,672 9% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $62,500 Med. Rent: $799 Med. Household Inc.: $31,952

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Jennings is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Glasgow Village Population: 5,285 9% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $44,700 Med. Rent: $1,032 Med. Household Inc.: $40,354

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Glasgow Village fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than Missouri.

Lebanon Population: 14,735 9% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $105,100 Med. Rent: $670 Med. Household Inc.: $41,160

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Lebanon is one of the most affordable cities in Missouri, and has a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average.

Bowling Green Population: 5,259 8% cheaper than Missouri average

Med. Home Value: $85,100 Med. Rent: $611 Med. Household Inc.: $36,658

With a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than Missouri, Bowling Green comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Missouri. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Missouri

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Nevada	8,198	78	$73,500	$37,451
2	Charleston	5,478	78	$66,800	$30,761
3	Aurora	7,461	79	$85,400	$36,433
4	West Plains	12,290	80	$95,400	$37,154
5	Kennett	10,069	80	$91,400	$40,857
6	Dexter	7,867	80	$85,400	$39,339
7	Jennings	14,672	81	$62,500	$31,952
8	Glasgow Village	5,285	81	$44,700	$40,354
9	Lebanon	14,735	81	$105,100	$41,160
10	Bowling Green	5,259	81	$85,100	$36,658
11	Park Hills	8,512	81	$82,300	$38,065
12	Macon	5,357	82	$93,300	$37,974
13	Mexico	11,535	82	$86,900	$40,741
14	Caruthersville	5,518	82	$101,100	$32,025
15	Trenton	5,679	82	$92,200	$44,500
16	Berkeley	8,912	82	$63,100	$35,027
17	Poplar Bluff	16,979	82	$104,300	$35,603
18	Bellefontaine Neighbors	10,441	82	$62,900	$41,815
19	Chillicothe	9,106	83	$90,900	$45,496
20	Richmond	5,622	83	$98,600	$57,188
21	Carthage	14,699	83	$90,400	$39,938
22	Ferguson	20,631	83	$78,500	$37,376
23	Marshfield	7,425	83	$132,200	$48,657
24	Bonne Terre	7,037	84	$103,900	$41,171
25	Moberly	13,710	84	$102,400	$39,327
26	Springfield	167,601	84	$122,200	$37,491
27	St. Ann	12,689	84	$92,000	$47,994
28	Neosho	12,036	84	$100,200	$43,925
29	Sedalia	21,634	84	$99,900	$42,152
30	St. John	6,369	84	$78,400	$53,288
31	Monett	9,035	84	$99,800	$39,435
32	Bolivar	11,000	84	$131,500	$37,500
33	Dellwood	5,010	85	$72,900	$60,038
34	Spanish Lake	17,682	85	$97,700	$41,632
35	Hannibal	17,312	85	$113,800	$46,504
36	Clinton	8,792	85	$111,600	$39,883
37	Marshall	12,920	85	$114,400	$44,076
38	Sullivan	6,499	86	$112,900	$46,027
39	Overland	15,644	86	$89,800	$46,109
40	Republic	16,571	86	$134,400	$55,322
41	Fulton	12,696	86	$122,100	$47,356
42	Savannah	5,170	86	$113,100	$43,481
43	De Soto	6,359	86	$112,200	$38,872
44	Lemay	16,565	86	$109,400	$49,628
45	Sikeston	16,664	86	$130,400	$42,702
46	Webb City	11,884	86	$119,100	$53,727
47	St. Joseph	75,369	87	$117,800	$48,716
48	Boonville	8,300	87	$133,400	$43,460
49	Florissant	51,220	87	$99,900	$58,769
50	Joplin	50,580	87	$125,400	$45,091

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Missouri, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.