Moving to Missouri: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Missouri, you’re not alone. The Show-Me State attracts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Kansas City and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Missouri, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Missouri to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Missouri information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to MO
Top car shippers to MO
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Missouri

Moving to Missouri has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out some of the main upsides and downsides of living in the Show-Me State so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Missouri

✓Low cost of living
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Delicious barbecue
✓Beautiful outdoors

Cons of living in Missouri

✖Severe weather
✖High crime rate
✖Low quality of life
✖Low wages
✖Poor healthcare

Things to do in Missouri

Whether you’re moving to Missouri for work, family, or simply a fresh start, there’s so much to explore once you arrive. From vibrant attractions to hidden gems, Missouri offers something for everyone, making it easy to find your next adventure.

If you’re planning a family adventure or going out solo and hoping to make new friends, these spots have you covered. With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Missouri

Gateway Arch
Saint Louis Zoo
Silver Dollar City
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Forest Park
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
Titanic Museum
Jefferson City
Worlds of Fun

Museums in Missouri

National WWI Museum and Memorial
Titanic Museum
City Museum
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Saint Louis Art Museum
Patee House Museum
Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Magic House
Saint Louis Science Center

Parks in Missouri

Elephant Rocks State Park
Gateway Arch National Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Bennett Spring State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Meramec State Park
Table Rock State Park
George Washington Carver National Monument
Sam A. Baker State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Fun facts about Missouri

Every state has its own unique vibe shaped by its history, culture, and people. Getting to know local traditions and quirks is the best way to truly experience life in a new place.

Discovering these fun facts about Missouri highlights what sets the state apart—and might even inspire you to move there.

Missouri is known as the “Show Me State”.
The ‘Show Me State’ expression may have began in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, “I’m from Missouri and you’ve got to show me.”
The first successful parachute jump to be made from a moving airplane was made by Captain Berry at St. Louis, in 1912.
The most destructive tornado on record occurred in Annapolis. In 3 hours, it tore through the town on March 18, 1925 leaving a 980-foot wide trail of demolished buildings, uprooted trees, and overturned cars. It left 823 people dead and almost 3,000 injured.
At the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, Richard Blechyden, served tea with ice and invented iced tea.
Also, at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, the ice cream cone was invented. An ice cream vendor ran out of cups and asked a waffle vendor to help by rolling up waffles to hold ice cream.
Missouri ties with Tennessee as the most neighborly state in the union, bordered by 8 states.
The state animal is the Mule.
St. Louis; is also called, “The Gateway to the West” and “Home of the Blues”.
Warsaw holds the state record for the low temperature of -40 degrees on February 13, 1905.
Warsaw holds the state record for the high temperature recorded, 118 degrees on July 14, 1954.

Missouri population and demographics

Thinking about moving to Missouri? Here’s what life in the Show-Me State really feels like—beyond just the numbers.

Opting for a more populous state means you’ll have more job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch infrastructure. On the flip side, settling in a less crowded state offers quieter living and the chance to become part of a tight-knit community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge local job prospects and see how easy it is to access schools or colleges in the area. At the same time, understanding a state’s political climate gives you insight into the values and priorities most important to its residents.

Getting to know the people, lifestyle, and values in Missouri is a great way to figure out if it’s a place where you’ll feel right at home.

Metric	Missouri
Population	6,196,156
Female	50.7%
Male	49.3%
College graduation rate	31.72%
Political leaning	Republican 59-41
Crime index	28.28

Missouri weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Missouri is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

For example, summer highs can affect everything from your energy bills to how much time you’ll want to spend away from the AC, while winter lows help you prepare for what kind of wardrobe (and heating system) you’ll need. Annual snowfall can mean anything from occasional flurries to full-on storms that impact travel and daily routines.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Missouri aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Missouri
Summer high	88ºF
Winter low	20ºF
Annual rain	43″
Annual snow	13″

Income and cost of living in Missouri

Checking out key industries, typical salaries, home prices, and overall living expenses helps you gauge how affordable and practical life can be in Missouri.

Understanding which industries power the local economy can give you valuable insight into job prospects and market stability in your field. And when it comes to deciding whether to rent or buy, housing costs will probably be one of the biggest factors shaping your move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These figures aren’t just statistics—they’re useful tools to help you weigh your current lifestyle against what Missouri has to offer, so you can make your move with confidence and clarity.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($37.6 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion)
Professional and business services ($22 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.7 billion)
Retail trade ($15.3)
Finance and insurance ($13.2 billion)
Wholesale trade ($12.4 billion)
Construction ($7.8 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.2 billion)
Utilities ($6.5 billion)

Metric	Missouri
Average rent cost	$957
Average home cost	$248,327
Average income (per capita)	$65,920
Cost of living index*	88
Unemployment rate	3.8%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	4.8%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Missouri

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and community atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school, have kids close to graduating, or just want to be in a place with top-notch educational options, Missouri should be high on your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Missouri:

Washington University in St. Louis
University of Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Saint Louis University
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Missouri State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Webster University
Maryville University
Truman State University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Missouri

We combed through 2,756 moving companies nationwide—including 36 right here in Missouri—and got insights straight from movers and people just like you to uncover the top picks in the industry.

Getting ready to move to the Show-Me State? Check out the top moving companies that will get your stuff to your new place safely, no matter where you’re starting from.

Cost of moving to Missouri

Planning your move to Missouri? Be sure to budget ahead. Professional movers typically charge about $136 per hour, though your total bill depends on how much you’re hauling and how far you’re going—long-distance moves usually come with a higher price tag than local ones.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

Looking to save on your move? Consider one of the top moving container companies. You can pack and load your stuff on your own schedule, and the company handles all the driving for you. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds—flexibility and savings—without going completely DIY or splurging on a pricey full-service move.

Trying to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is your most budget-friendly option. You’ll be in charge of packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything on your own.

Ready to ditch the hassle of moving by yourself? Professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this convenience typically costs more—so be sure to compare quotes and find an option that fits both your needs and your budget.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Missouri

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Missouri.

Missouri car insurance requirements

In Missouri, drivers need at least $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 per accident for property damage. Following these rules is important for financial responsibility and safer roads.

Missouri drivers license requirements

If you have recently moved to Missouri and have an out-of-state driver’s license or non-driver ID, valid or expired for no more than 184 days, you need to present acceptable documents to prove your identity, legal status, Social Security Number, and Missouri residency.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Missouri?

Moving to Missouri is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Missouri is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Missouri?

On the cost of living index, Missouri has a score of 88. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Missouri?

The average income in MO is $65,920, and the an unemployment rate is 3.8. Home prices are $248,327, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $957.

What is the downside of living in Missouri?

Like any place, Missouri has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Show-Me State include:

Severe weather
High crime rate
Low quality of life
Low wages
Poor healthcare

Missouri Moving Resources

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