The Show Me State offers a host of unique advantages and amenities, making it an easy choice for those looking to relocate. Many people travel from across the country to visit an attraction that Missouri residents have easy access to such as the St. Louis Zoo and family-friendly Branson in the Ozark Mountains, which is touted as “the live country music capital of the universe”.

Missouri’s major industries are health care and social assistance, retail, advanced manufacturing, financial and professional services, and agriculture and bioscience.

Moving Advice

• You don’t need a moving permit in Missouri.
• Missouri summers can be dangerously hot and humid. If you choose to move to Missouri in the summer, try to plan your move time to early mornings and late evenings and drink plenty of water.
• Missouri winters can be harsh with sub-zero temperatures, lots of snow, icy roads and high winds. If you must move between November and March, be sure to make proper arrangements.
• Tornadoes are a very real threat in Missouri year-round. Make sure to check the weather report daily, and when driving, tune in to a local radio station for updates. If you hear a tornado warning, seek cover immediately. Also, go over your emergency plan with your loved ones. Discuss how to evacuate and where to meet if you get separated.
• When moving to this tornado-prone state, check that it has a storm shelter or that there is one nearby. In addition, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.
• In general, people in Missouri are very helpful and friendly, so if you need information or assistance, just ask.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Missouri easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives at your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Half of the state’s population resides in the two largest cities, while the rural areas remain quiet and calm. Jefferson City, the state capital, is located on the edge of the Missouri Rhineland wine country. Kansas City is the business hub and the likely location you will end up working. St. Louis has the famous Gateway Arch, while Springfield boasts many historic sites.  Columbia is a liberal college town with the typical college-town lifestyle.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Missouri is almost 20 percent lower than the US average. This is most likely due to the low costs of housing, grocery items, and other goods. In addition, over 50 percent of all students in the state receive some form of state funding for their education, which reduces costs significantly for households. The median household income in Missouri is approximately $40,885 per year.

Home prices in Missouri have appreciated 74.0% higher than the national level from last year. Looking back three years at the median price in October 2019 compared to October 2022, prices have increased 32.1% in Missouri VS 35.8% nationwide.

As of October 2022, the median price for a home in the state was $240,100, which is up 8.7% above last year’s median price. Comparing prices over the last three years, we can see they have decreased -7.0% from the peak of $258,300 in Jun-2022.

Climate

Missouri has a humid continental climate that is heavily influenced by cold Arctic air and hot, humid air coming off the Gulf of Mexico. The state experiences extreme weather since there are no moderating geographical features such as mountains or large lakes. Missouri gets hit with severe thunderstorms as well as powerful tornadoes on a frequent basis.

You can expect hot summers and cold winters. The average daytime temperature in the summer of around 89 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the colder months, the temperature is on average 38 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

Education

Missouri has a number of quality educational institutions for students of all ages. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Missouri.

Some of the state’s most notable schools:

• Elementary Schools: Truman Elementary School in St Louis and Kennard Classical Junior Academy, Sappington Elementary School are some of the top-ranked elementary schools.
• High Schools: Metro High School in St Louis, Lesterville High School in Lesterville and Linn High School in Linn are some of the best high schools.
• Higher Education: Missouri is home to some great colleges and universities, including the University of Missouri system, Lincoln University, St Louis University and Washington University in St Louis.

Government

For a Missouri government overview and information on moving to Missouri, legal requirements and helpful links, visit the Official Missouri State Website.

• A state excise tax of 4.225 percent, as well as your local sales tax with a total maximum of 4.5 percent, is due on any untaxed vehicle you bring into the state or purchase while living here. However, if you owned the vehicle for longer than 90 days in another state, you don’t have to pay excise tax in Missouri.
• There are no toll roads here yet, though there have been proposals to turn a number of existing highways into turnpikes.
• After moving to Missouri, you can fill out a voter registration form and mail it to your local election authority, or you can register to vote when you apply for your Missouri driver’s license.
• Trash and recycling in rural areas are handled by private companies that vary per region. In urban areas, the city handles trash and recycling and bills them along with water.
• You must apply for a Missouri driver’s license within 30 days of moving here. Visit the Department of Revenue website for more information.
• You have 30 days to register your vehicle following a move to Missouri.