You don’t need to be an Ozarks money launderer to enjoy the comforts of living in Missouri – the cost of living in most cities is surprisingly low.
In fact, the cheapest places to live in Missouri are a testament to the Show-Me State’s commitment to affordability.
How did we determine the cheapest places to live in Missouri? Our methodology is simple. We used Saturday Night Science to look at factors like median home price, average income, and overall cost of living. We then compare these factors across all cities in the state to come up with our top ten list of the most affordable places to live in Missouri.
Now sit back with some Kansas City BBQ and join us as we explore the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | Summary
The 10 most affordable places to live in Missouri
Missouri Real Estate Roundtable Opinion
“The most affordable cities listed in Missouri reflect a wide variety of opportunities for home buyers. They run the gambit from rural to urban, congested to sparsely populated, and a distinctly different list of city services and amenities.
Investing in a home within a highly affordable area can be a wise decision if you anticipate positive growth. However, suppose the area is experiencing a prolonged decline. In that case, channeling your financial resources and future into an area with greater growth potential that will also provide the desired lifestyle is likely more prudent.”
What is the cheapest place to live in Missouri? The cheapest place to live in Missouri is Jennings based on the cost of housing adjusted for incomes and cost of living.
Missouri’s most affordable places have you covered whether you’re looking for a job in agriculture, aerospace, tech, or even beer – hello, Anheuser-Busch.
Check out some more reading about Missouri and the cheapest places in the country:
The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Missouri For 2024
/10
Population: 12,996
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 77
Median Income: $32,462
Median Home Price: $58,011
Median Rent: $857
Jennings, located in the northern part of St. Louis County, MO, stands out for its affordability due to the Show Me State’s lowest home values at $58,011.
These home prices and reduced living costs make it a budget-friendly bastion. Its overall cost of living is 12.5% lower than the state average, making Jennings a frugal fortress for those planting their stakes in Missouri soil.
More on Jennings: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 8,653
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 77
Median Income: $50,628
Median Home Price: $132,005
Median Rent: $724
Park Hills, located in the heart of Missouri, is a great place to live for those looking for an affordable lifestyle. With a median home value of $132,005 and a median rent of $724, the cost of living is lower than the national average.
Not only is Park Hills affordable, but it also has a strong community feel. Its small-town charm, coupled with its proximity to larger cities like St. Louis, make it a great place to call home. The city offers a variety of parks and recreational opportunities, as well as a downtown with shops and restaurants.
More on Park Hills: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 12,917
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 78
Median Income: $48,081
Median Home Price: $136,175
Median Rent: $880
A St. Louis suburb, St. Ann ranks as the third most affordable city in Missouri. St. Ann’s median rent of $880 is a bit pricey, and keeps the city from achieving a higher rank on this list. However, with a median income of $48,081 and a median home price of $136,175, St. Ann has the 20th best home price to income ratio in the state. As a bonus, St. Ann is one of the best cities for singles in Missouri, so you can find the love of your life without breaking the bank here.
More on St. Ann: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 7,290
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 79
Median Income: $44,728
Median Home Price: $150,015
Median Rent: $760
Located 35 miles southwest of Springfield, Aurora rounds out our list of cheapest cities in Missouri. At a median price of $150,015, Aurora has the 20th least expensive homes in Missouri, and the cheapest you’ll see on this list. Coupled with a median income of $44,728, Aurora has the third best home price to income ratio on this list.
On the flip side, Aurora’s affordability drops off precipitously for renters. In any case, thanks to the Sunset Drive-In Theatre, you’ll never have to worry about a cheap option for date night in Aurora.
More on Aurora: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 13,002
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80
Median Income: $58,964
Median Home Price: $195,274
Median Rent: $897
Homes in Webb City are the second most expensive you’ll see on this list, but that doesn’t stop the city from being fifth cheapest overall in Missouri. A home in Webb City goes for about $195,274 and the median income is $58,964, so it’s no sweat paying off the mortgage here. We recommend you use your pockets full of extra cash at the local farmer’s market for the freshest food in town.
Webb City is located in the southwestern part of the state, near the borders of Kansas and Oklahoma.
More on Webb City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 12,250
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80
Median Income: $38,676
Median Home Price: $200,891
Median Rent: $739
In the heart of MO, West Plains shines as an economic haven, securing the sixth spot for affordability. Within Howell County, residents reap the benefits of a low cost of living index at 80, undercutting the national average.
A median home value of $200,891 beckons buyers. Plus, there are plenty of free things to do in town, like a visit to Butler Children’s Park or People’s Park with the family on the weekends.
More on West Plains: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 10,637
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80
Median Income: $46,115
Median Home Price: $92,443
Median Rent: $1,017
Bellefontaine Neighbors, an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis, is the seventh most affordable city in the state with its fourth best home price-to-income ratio and a median rent of $1,017 which is below the national average. The city’s 80 cost of living index is 9.1% better than the state average.
Bellefontaine bargains bloom in this budget-wise borough, welcoming wallets of all weights to places like General Daniel Bissell’s house.
More on Bellefontaine Neighbors: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 8,128
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80
Median Income: $44,318
Median Home Price: $137,667
Median Rent: $707
Nevada, MO is an affordable place to live in Missouri thanks to a median home value of $137,667 and a median rent of just $707. Additionally, Nevada’s median income of $44,318 is in line with the cost of living, making it easier for families to make ends meet.
But affordability isn’t the only thing that makes Nevada a great place to live. The city has a population of 8,128 and is home to Cottey College, a well-regarded women’s college. Its council-manager model of government ensures that public services are well-run and responsive to community needs. All in all, Nevada ranks as one of the most livable and affordable places in Missouri.
More on Nevada: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 6,863
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80
Median Income: $34,409
Median Home Price: $188,714
Median Rent: $714
Don’t let the name fool you; you won’t need to learn French to move to the ninth cheapest city in Missouri. A small city an hour south of St. Louis, Bonne Terre knocked it out of the park in terms of affordability this year, with both renters and home-buyers rejoicing over the low cost of housing. Buying a home in Bonne Terre will set you back about $188,714, which is super cheap when you consider that the median income in Bonne Terre is $34,409. In fact, Bonne Terre residents spend the 125th lowest proportion of their income on their mortgage in Missouri.
Bonne Terre is also among the safest places in Missouri, so the city hasn’t skimped on solid security. And if you need to get away from it all, Bonne Terre is home to St. Francois State Park.
More on Bonne Terre: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 6,583
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80
Median Income: $52,000
Median Home Price: $117,212
Median Rent: $1,130
For our tenth cheapest place to live in Missouri, we turn to the St. Louis suburb of St. John. Just like in Oak Grove, St. John offers easy access to world-famous amenities at a fraction of the cost of the bigger city.
For instance, you’re only 20 minutes from The Gateway Arch and the Missouri Botanical Garden if you’re living in St. John.
The overall cost of living is about 15% lower than the national average, but where the city really stands out is housing costs. St. John has the ninth cheapest homes in Missouri, with a median price tag of just $117,212.
Just think of how easy it must be to pay off the mortgage in St. John, especially considering that the median household income here is $52,000. Rent in St. John is a bit steeper than most places on this list, so you’ll have to buy to fully experience how inexpensive this city really is.
More on St. John: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Cheapest places to live in Missouri FAQs
The county in Missouri with the lowest cost of living is Adair County. The average living wage in Adair County is $77,540 according to MIT data. Adair County has the lowest cost of living because it has relatively less expensive childcare and housing costs compared to Missouri as a whole. Childcare costs $7,243 a year in Adair County for two children compared to the Missouri average of $12,674. Housing costs, defined as a blend of the average rent and average mortgage payment, are $7,944 per year in Adair County compared to $10,297 on average in Missouri.
The cost of living in Missouri is 3.7% lower than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two working parents in Missouri is $86,410 vs the national average for a family of four with two working parents of $89,744. The median income of a Missouri household is $57,290.
The cheapest housing market in Missouri is Jennings. The average home value in Jennings is $62,500, the lowest in the state. The average home value in Missouri is $163,600, almost 2.6 times higher than Jennings.
Methodology: How we determined the most affordable places to live in the Show Me State for 2024
Determining affordability for places in Missouri boils down to how much it costs to live here.
You need to understand your costs relative to what people in the rest of the state are paying.
With that logic in mind, we derived several cost of living statistics from the latest Census American Community Survey 2018-2022 for Missouri using Saturday Night Science. We indexed the cost of living statistics across the following categories:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Services
- Groceries
- Healthcare
- Utilities
These are then weighted together to produce an overall cost of living index where 100 is the United States average. Anything below 100 is relatively affordable. Anything over 100 is relatively expensive.
We applied the biggest weight to housing as it typically accounts for 25% or more of your budget. Additionally, housing costs are the highest variant cost across a state. We then compare these cost of living metrics for each place in Missouri to figure out which is the least expensive.
The “Cost of Living Index” allows you to rank all of the 127 places in Missouri that have more than 5,000 people from least expensive to most expensive. Any ties went to the larger city.
The place in Missouri with the lowest cost of living according to the data is Jennings.
We updated this article for 2024. This report reflects our tenth time ranking the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
Missouri Affordabilility Summary
This is an accurate list of the most affordable places to live in Missouri for 2024, if you’re looking at the cost of living numbers in Missouri.
The cheapest cities in Missouri are Jennings, Park Hills, St. Ann, Aurora, Webb City, West Plains, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Nevada, Bonne Terre, and St. John.
Here’s a look at the most expensive cities in Missouri according to the data:
- Ladue
- Town and Country
- Clayton
For more Missouri reading, check out:
Cheapest Places To Live In Missouri
| Rank | City | Population | Cost Of Living Index | Median Income | Home Prices | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jennings | 12,996 | 77 | $32,462 | $58,011 | $857 |
| 2 | Park Hills | 8,653 | 77 | $50,628 | $132,005 | $724 |
| 3 | St. Ann | 12,917 | 78 | $48,081 | $136,175 | $880 |
| 4 | Aurora | 7,290 | 79 | $44,728 | $150,015 | $760 |
| 5 | Webb City | 13,002 | 80 | $58,964 | $195,274 | $897 |
| 6 | West Plains | 12,250 | 80 | $38,676 | $200,891 | $739 |
| 7 | Bellefontaine Neighbors | 10,637 | 80 | $46,115 | $92,443 | $1,017 |
| 8 | Nevada | 8,128 | 80 | $44,318 | $137,667 | $707 |
| 9 | Bonne Terre | 6,863 | 80 | $34,409 | $188,714 | $714 |
| 10 | St. John | 6,583 | 80 | $52,000 | $117,212 | $1,130 |
| 11 | Caruthersville | 5,504 | 80 | $35,585 | $95,548 | $758 |
| 12 | Ferguson | 18,546 | 81 | $47,410 | $104,371 | $1,016 |
| 13 | Farmington | 17,859 | 81 | $49,317 | $230,433 | $789 |
| 14 | Carthage | 15,491 | 81 | $43,526 | $165,262 | $854 |
| 15 | Lebanon | 15,023 | 81 | $45,634 | $204,244 | $782 |
| 16 | Neosho | 12,670 | 81 | $49,301 | $196,630 | $774 |
| 17 | Kennett | 10,383 | 81 | $52,907 | $100,009 | $598 |
| 18 | Chillicothe | 9,091 | 81 | $54,119 | $153,392 | $776 |
| 19 | Sullivan | 6,441 | 81 | $59,243 | $172,940 | $857 |
| 20 | Trenton | 5,527 | 81 | $48,909 | $80,691 | $703 |
| 21 | Savannah | 5,068 | 81 | $51,694 | $224,902 | $763 |
| 22 | St. Joseph | 72,198 | 82 | $54,515 | $145,631 | $854 |
| 23 | Joplin | 51,848 | 82 | $50,996 | $183,710 | $873 |
| 24 | Overland | 15,838 | 82 | $51,749 | $130,030 | $1,070 |
| 25 | Monett | 9,632 | 82 | $42,635 | $159,794 | $820 |
| 26 | Berkeley | 8,232 | 82 | $37,757 | $76,521 | $1,034 |
| 27 | De Soto | 6,430 | 82 | $44,788 | $206,200 | $799 |
| 28 | Richmond | 5,975 | 82 | $61,694 | $203,328 | $743 |
| 29 | Union | 12,341 | 83 | $68,864 | $230,739 | $846 |
| 30 | Mexico | 11,502 | 83 | $47,585 | $144,899 | $719 |
| 31 | Excelsior Springs | 10,546 | 83 | $74,196 | $202,892 | $842 |
| 32 | Clinton | 8,908 | 83 | $48,116 | $156,179 | $724 |
| 33 | Warrenton | 8,648 | 83 | $62,096 | $257,840 | $882 |
| 34 | Marshfield | 7,501 | 83 | $63,842 | $238,760 | $698 |
| 35 | Black Jack | 6,632 | 83 | $63,617 | $192,665 | $1,085 |
| 36 | St. Louis | 298,018 | 84 | $52,941 | $168,569 | $938 |
| 37 | Springfield | 168,873 | 84 | $43,450 | $222,322 | $878 |
| 38 | Independence | 122,218 | 84 | $57,415 | $189,173 | $1,020 |
| 39 | Florissant | 52,167 | 84 | $64,178 | $176,193 | $1,195 |
| 40 | Grandview | 25,921 | 84 | $51,048 | $203,316 | $945 |
| 41 | Hazelwood | 25,345 | 84 | $55,111 | $150,689 | $981 |
| 42 | Odessa | 5,554 | 84 | $86,125 | $225,800 | $911 |
| 43 | Macon | 5,452 | 84 | $50,101 | $155,350 | $745 |
| 44 | Raytown | 29,772 | 85 | $64,542 | $191,914 | $1,145 |
| 45 | Nixa | 23,523 | 85 | $74,814 | $297,518 | $969 |
| 46 | Kirksville | 17,533 | 85 | $41,089 | $141,459 | $761 |
| 47 | Hannibal | 17,003 | 85 | $52,746 | $141,434 | $798 |
| 48 | Poplar Bluff | 16,313 | 85 | $37,448 | $154,670 | $707 |
| 49 | Moberly | 13,708 | 85 | $39,332 | $113,331 | $730 |
| 50 | Bolivar | 10,780 | 85 | $40,530 | $232,364 | $791 |
| 51 | Cameron | 9,101 | 85 | $50,206 | $211,143 | $931 |
| 52 | Pevely | 6,012 | 85 | $68,141 | $238,053 | $822 |
| 53 | Marshall | 13,687 | 86 | $52,171 | $157,575 | $741 |
| 54 | Festus | 12,772 | 86 | $65,942 | $259,258 | $932 |
| 55 | Fulton | 12,648 | 86 | $59,544 | $205,135 | $784 |
| 56 | Willard | 6,342 | 86 | $76,500 | $252,650 | $1,077 |
| 57 | Belton | 24,241 | 87 | $68,030 | $236,726 | $1,189 |
| 58 | Sikeston | 16,146 | 87 | $47,464 | $144,611 | $813 |
| 59 | Oak Grove | 8,304 | 87 | $71,006 | $271,763 | $964 |
| 60 | Dexter | 7,910 | 87 | $45,617 | $149,823 | $675 |
| 61 | Boonville | 7,725 | 87 | $50,932 | $176,207 | $691 |
| 62 | Pacific | 7,239 | 87 | $52,155 | $210,666 | $820 |
| 63 | Peculiar | 5,675 | 87 | $91,783 | $329,307 | $954 |
| 64 | Arnold | 20,840 | 88 | $72,317 | $241,114 | $1,057 |
| 65 | Republic | 18,824 | 88 | $63,102 | $249,783 | $1,018 |
| 66 | Troy | 12,964 | 88 | $74,463 | $278,307 | $983 |
| 67 | Branson | 12,651 | 88 | $49,790 | $261,481 | $916 |
| 68 | Harrisonville | 10,024 | 88 | $57,607 | $253,584 | $850 |
| 69 | Carl Junction | 8,197 | 88 | $69,259 | $242,308 | $1,140 |
| 70 | Waynesville | 5,372 | 88 | $47,193 | $218,372 | $846 |
| 71 | Gladstone | 26,964 | 89 | $68,633 | $246,002 | $1,048 |
| 72 | Ozark | 21,459 | 89 | $66,631 | $290,499 | $963 |
| 73 | Warrensburg | 19,317 | 89 | $54,535 | $250,017 | $878 |
| 74 | Washington | 14,769 | 89 | $75,127 | $276,502 | $764 |
| 75 | Pleasant Hill | 8,822 | 89 | $88,408 | $320,437 | $1,100 |
| 76 | Maplewood | 8,205 | 89 | $58,448 | $243,461 | $845 |
| 77 | Battlefield | 6,046 | 89 | $82,302 | $273,871 | $929 |
| 78 | Kansas City | 505,958 | 90 | $65,256 | $227,993 | $1,131 |
| 79 | Maryland Heights | 28,099 | 90 | $82,232 | $234,669 | $1,181 |
| 80 | Rolla | 20,025 | 90 | $37,685 | $198,371 | $760 |
| 81 | Bridgeton | 11,422 | 90 | $69,982 | $250,506 | $976 |
| 82 | Maryville | 10,691 | 90 | $49,144 | $207,346 | $762 |
| 83 | Perryville | 8,536 | 90 | $52,500 | $201,535 | $882 |
| 84 | Blue Springs | 58,720 | 91 | $82,965 | $283,645 | $1,159 |
| 85 | St. Peters | 57,692 | 91 | $88,708 | $289,759 | $1,186 |
| 86 | Cape Girardeau | 39,795 | 91 | $51,671 | $198,696 | $822 |
| 87 | Greenwood | 6,038 | 91 | $103,560 | $327,682 | $1,689 |
| 88 | Jefferson City | 42,644 | 92 | $63,649 | $235,946 | $740 |
| 89 | Grain Valley | 15,688 | 92 | $82,364 | $323,497 | $1,248 |
| 90 | Valley Park | 6,848 | 92 | $63,478 | $260,081 | $1,245 |
| 91 | St. Charles | 70,687 | 93 | $83,589 | $295,372 | $1,115 |
| 92 | Liberty | 30,299 | 93 | $91,512 | $303,673 | $1,004 |
| 93 | Crestwood | 12,315 | 93 | $111,791 | $306,853 | $1,001 |
| 94 | Kearney | 10,491 | 93 | $99,969 | $379,573 | $1,035 |
| 95 | Smithville | 10,416 | 93 | $95,122 | $354,373 | $719 |
| 96 | Shrewsbury | 6,352 | 93 | $82,681 | $267,379 | $1,096 |
| 97 | St. Robert | 5,242 | 93 | $52,627 | $204,458 | $957 |
| 98 | Lee’s Summit | 101,728 | 95 | $103,447 | $347,310 | $1,295 |
| 99 | Wentzville | 44,584 | 96 | $109,158 | $364,171 | $1,169 |
| 100 | Raymore | 23,232 | 96 | $96,536 | $328,747 | $1,410 |