Income Reality in Missouri — Taxes, Housing & Salary

Very affordable, two major metros, low tax

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Cost of Living Index

88

Median Household Income

$71,589

State Income Tax

4.80% top rate

Median Rent

$1,475/mo

Income tax overview

Missouri has a top income tax rate of 4.8%.

Housing snapshot

Median 1BR rent in Kansas City is approximately $1,100 and St. Louis approximately $1,000. Suburban areas are significantly more affordable.

1BR FMR across major Missouri cities: $995 – $1,197/mo (HUD FY2026)

Cost of living summary

At an index of 88, Missouri is about 12% cheaper than the national average of 100.

Missouri offers very affordable living with two major metros — Kansas City and St. Louis. Both cities provide urban amenities at costs far below coastal equivalents.

Major cities

Kansas City

1BR $1,197/mo

St. Louis

1BR $995/mo

Purchasing power context

Missouri's low housing costs and moderate tax rate provide excellent purchasing power for middle-income earners.

Purchasing Power Reality

What your salary feels like in other cities

Your 60-80k in Kansas City feels like approximately $58,187 in St. Louis — your purchasing power decreases by 17%

Your 60-80k in Kansas City feels like approximately $72,412 in Indianapolis — your purchasing power increases by 3%

Your 60-80k in Kansas City feels like approximately $68,673 in Columbus — your purchasing power decreases by 2%

Salary reality examples

$40-60k ~$3,318/mo take-home

Very comfortable in most Missouri cities.

$60-80k ~$4,523/mo take-home

Excellent purchasing power. Both Kansas City and St. Louis offer real value.

$80-100k ~$5,615/mo take-home

Outstanding flexibility. Missouri's costs allow substantial savings at this range.

FAQ

FAQ — Income Reality in Missouri

Is Missouri affordable?

Yes. Missouri has a cost of living index of 88, about 12% below the national average.

What is Missouri's income tax rate?