Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to MOtoggle

There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to Missouri will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from VA to MO

If you’re moving to Missouri from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Virginia vs. Missouri

Virginia Missouri
Average rent cost $1,440 $957
Average home cost $392,682 $248,327
Average income (per capita) $87,249 $65,920
Cost of Living Index 0 88
Unemployment rate 2.9% 3.8%
Average Sales Tax 5.73% 4.03%
State Income Tax 5.75% 4.8%
  • Rent is about 34% less expensive in Missouri than in Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 37% lower in Missouri than in Virginia.
  • The average income is about 24% lower in Missouri than in Virginia.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in Missouri than in Virginia.
  • Missouri has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia by about 31%.
  • Sales taxes are 30% lower in Missouri than in Virginia.
  • Income taxes are 17% lower in Missouri than in Virginia.

How life is different in Missouri vs. Virginia

Missouri Virginia
Population 6,196,156 8,715,698
Political leaning Republican 59-41 Democratic 52-48
Summer high 88ºF 87ºF
Winter low 20ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 43" 44"
Annual snow 13" 14"
Crime index 28.28 19.3
  • The population of Missouri is approximately 29% lower than the population of Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Missouri voted Republican and Virginia voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Missouri is 88ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Missouri reaches the temperature of 20ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Missouri versus 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
  • In Missouri, it snows about 13 inches annually versus 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
  • Missouri has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 28.28 vs. 19.3.

Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Missouri

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Missouri compared to Virginia.

Pros of living in Virginia Pros of living in Missouri
Strong economy Low cost of living
Beautiful scenery Ample economic opportunity
Abundance of outdoor activities Bountiful recreational opportunities
Enjoyable four season weather Delicious barbecue
Strong military presence Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Missouri

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for Missouri.

Cons of living in Virginia Cons of living in Missouri
High cost of living Severe weather
Unpredictable weather High crime rate
Bad traffic congestion Low quality of life
Lack of public transportation Low wages
Air noise pollution Poor healthcare

Other things to consider for your Virginia to Missouri movetoggle

  • Weather: Although temperature in Missouri doesn't get extreme, being in the heart of tornado alley means that storms in the area are common. Be sure to check the weather forecast before move day to prepare for any upcoming weather.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Missouri does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Missouri. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Missouritoggle

While you’re in Missouri, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 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
  • Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
  • Lake of the Ozarks
  • National World War I Museum and Memorial
  • Ha Ha Tonka State Park
  • Onondaga Cave State Park
  • Meramec State Park
  • Talking Rocks Cavern
  • Roaring River State Park
  • Hermann Wine Trail
  • Busch Stadium
  • National Museum of Transportation
  • Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Elephant Rocks State Park
  • J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain
  • Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to Missouri?toggle

Hiring a full-service Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Missouri?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Virginia to Missouri separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Missouri?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Missouri are the amazing upsides of living in Missouri such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Missouri?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in Missouri. Housing is much more affordable in Missouri, with average rent about 34% less and home prices 36.8% lower than in Virginia. Taxes are also lower in Missouri, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Virginia residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Missouri?toggle

You should make approximately $64,520 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Missouri. The cost of living in Missouri is approximately $2,733 per month for an individual and $6,304 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Missouri you live For example, larger cities like Kansas City and Columbia will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources