Living in Missouri: Income, Housing, Taxes & Cost of Living (2026)
By Wealthvieu
·
Updated
Table of Contents
Missouri at a Glance
| Metric |
Value |
National Rank |
| Population (2024) |
6.2 million |
18th |
| Median household income |
$65,920 |
Below average |
| Median home price |
$250,000 |
Below average |
| Cost of living index |
88 |
Below average |
| State income tax |
2-4.95% (decreasing) |
Average |
| Sales tax |
4.225% (+ local up to 5.5%) |
High combined rate |
| Property tax (effective rate) |
0.88% |
Below average |
Income and Housing
| City/Area |
Median Income |
Median Home Price |
Median Rent (2BR) |
| Kansas City |
$65,000 |
$270,000 |
$1,200 |
| St. Louis (metro) |
$68,000 |
$260,000 |
$1,150 |
| St. Louis (city) |
$50,000 |
$195,000 |
$1,050 |
| Springfield |
$47,000 |
$220,000 |
$950 |
| Columbia |
$58,000 |
$260,000 |
$1,050 |
| Branson/Lake area |
$45,000 |
$250,000 |
$950 |
| St. Joseph |
$48,000 |
$155,000 |
$800 |
| Joplin |
$47,000 |
$175,000 |
$850 |
Tax Note: High Combined Sales Tax
Missouri’s state sales tax is only 4.225%, but local additions make many areas 8-10% total — among the highest in the nation.
| Area |
Combined Sales Tax |
| Kansas City |
9.10% |
| St. Louis (city) |
9.68% |
| Springfield |
8.10% |
| Columbia |
8.70% |
Missouri Pros and Cons
| Financial Pros |
Financial Cons |
| 12% below national COL |
Below-average income |
| Two affordable major metros (KC, STL) |
Very high combined sales tax |
| Income tax decreasing toward 4.5% |
St. Louis city has high crime rates |
| Low property taxes (0.88%) |
Tornado risk (central/southwest) |
| Central location, low commute costs |
Limited public transit |
Related: Cost of Living by State | State Income Tax Rates | Average Rent by State
