Living in Missouri

Live the Life You’ve Always Wanted

Missouri offers a unique blend of affordability, opportunity, and culture that sets it apart as one of the best places to live in the United States. 

Centrally located in the heart of the Midwest, Missouri combines a low cost of living with a thriving job market, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re looking for a bustling urban environment, small-town charm, or wide open spaces, Missouri has plenty of diverse regions to choose from. 

Why Live in Missouri?

Missouri offers a variety of benefits that make it an exceptional place to call home:

  • Affordable Cost of Living: Enjoy housing, utilities, and daily expenses well below the national average.
  • Strong Job Market: Thriving industries like manufacturing, tech, agriculture, and healthcare offer ample career opportunities.
  • Central Location: Strategically located in the Midwest with easy access to every corner of the U.S.
  • High-Quality Education: Home to top-ranked universities, community colleges, and excellent K-12 schools.
  • Vibrant Arts and Culture: Explore museums, live theater, historic sites, and a thriving music scene.
  • Scenic Outdoor Spaces: 93 state parks, miles of rivers and lakes, and more coastline than California for endless recreation.
  • Sports and Entertainment: Cheer for professional teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals or enjoy live music and festivals year-round.
  • Safe and Welcoming Communities: Low crime rates and friendly neighborhoods create a great place to live and raise a family.
  • Four Distinct Seasons: Experience the beauty of spring blooms, warm summers, colorful autumns, and peaceful winters.
  • Rich History and Heritage: Discover Missouri’s contributions to American history, from Mark Twain’s legacy to historic landmarks.

Cost of Living in Missouri

Missouri consistently ranks among the most affordable states in the U.S. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living in Missouri is approximately 15% lower than the national average, with housing costs nearly 30% below the national average. Here’s why:

  • Affordable Housing: The median home price in Missouri is significantly lower than the national median.
  • Lower Taxes: Missouri offers competitive income, business, and property tax rates.
  • Reasonable Utility Costs: With statewide access to utilities, residents enjoy lower-than-average bills.
  • Affordable Healthcare: High-quality care at a fraction of the cost found in other states.

Low Cost of Living in Missouri makes it one of the best states to retire

National Rankings for Cost of Living

  • #4 Best State to Retire – Based on affordability and quality of life (Bankrate, 2024).
  • Missouri’s major cities, like Kansas City and St. Louis, are consistently rated as some of the most affordable urban areas in the U.S.

A Haven for Nature Lovers

Home to 93 state parks and historic sites, Missouri offers more than 160,000 combined acres of beautiful outdoor spaces. 

Missouri’s parks offer a wide range of activities to satisfy any nature lover. Whether you’re a day hiker or looking to camp out for the weekend, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in Missouri. 

The state is also home to many scenic streams and riverways, including the two largest rivers in North America: the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. Boasting more than 1,100 miles of coastline, you won’t find a more breathtaking place to visit – or better yet, to live in.

Featured in: Forbes travel writer calls Branson, Missouri “The Disney World Of The Outdoors


Arts, Culture, and Sports in Missouri

Missouri’s arts and culture scene is equally compelling. With nationally recognized symphonies, art galleries, and live theater, the state offers a rich cultural experience. 

The bustling cities of St. Louis and Kansas City are home to large populations of talented workers and culturally active citizens. 

Just beyond their city limits, they give way to vibrant communities and picturesque riverfront towns, like Hannibal, the birthplace of Mark Twain, and Branson, once labeled the “Live Music Capital of the World.” 

Missouri is also home to many wineries, distilleries, and breweries – including Anheuser-Busch.

Sports and sporting events are a way of life for Missourians. Nearly every corner of the state is represented by a well-known major league, minor league, or college teams, such as:

  • St. Louis Cardinals baseball
  • Kansas City Royals baseball
  • Kansas City Chiefs football
  • St. Louis City SC soccer
  • St. Louis Blues
  • Kansas City Current soccer

Experience Life in Missouri

Whether you’re drawn to Missouri’s affordable cost of living, career opportunities, or vibrant lifestyle, the Show-Me State offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat. 

Have more questions about why Missouri is the right place to move your business? Contact us – we can’t wait to discuss why Missouri is one of the best states for a better quality of life!


Meet Our Expert

Sal Maniaci

Vice President, Business Recruitment

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