Missouri may be known as the “Show-Me” state but make no mistake — there’s a lot to see and enjoy in this Midwestern state beyond the iconic Gateway Arch.
Historic sites, professional sports, fun attractions and great food are just some of the things Missourians enjoy year-round. The Mississippi River forms the state’s eastern border and the Missouri river winds across the state. Several industries employ thousands of residents, from aerospace engineering to manufacturing and retail. There are also some awesome cities that are the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
Missouri average rent prices
Missouri has been on the top 10 lowest costs of living in the nation list for several years and had the eighth-lowest cost as recently as the second quarter in 2021, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Housing costs are almost 22 percent below the national average. Across the state, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,443, down 6.5 percent from last year.
While rent in major cities like St. Louis might inch closer to the $2,000 mark, it’s possible to find apartments for less than the average rate throughout the state. We found 10 of the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
The cheapest cities in Missouri for renters
Those on a budget will appreciate the fact that almost all of the cities on this list fall below the state average. Take a look at the 10 cheapest places to live in Missouri, based on one-bedroom rent prices.
10. Florissant
SOURCE: RENT.COM/RIVER_CHASE_APARTMENTS
- Average 1-BR rent price: $776
- Average rent change in the past year: +6.99%
A large suburban area located about 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Florissant is home to St. Louis Christian College. It also boasts 400 acres of parkland and historic landmarks in Old Town, including Casa Alvarez, the oldest residence in the city dating back to 1790. A drive through Old Town Florissant feels like you’re driving through history since many homeowners and local residents have preserved the historical buildings.
9. Columbia
- Average 1-BR rent price: $771
- Average rent change in the past year: +6.99%
Located in the center of the state, Columbia is the home of the University of Missouri, which has one of the oldest journalism schools in the world. Its central location offers quick access to other major cities in the state, including St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as Lake of the Ozarks. Its downtown area features several restaurants and shops and a former meatpacking facility built in the 1960s that has become the Logboat Brewing Company. While rent in this area has increased in the past year, it’s still affordable and possible to find an apartment for less than $1,000 a month.
8. Liberty
SOURCE: RENT.COM/LIBERTY_COURT_APARTMENTS
- Average 1-BR rent price: $763
- Average rent change in the past year: +9.71%
A suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, Liberty is also home to William Jewell College. The close-knit and family-friendly community hosts various events throughout the year, including the Liberty Christmas Tree program, which is designed to assist disadvantaged families and older adults facing a difficult holiday season.
7. Clayton
SOURCE: RENT.COM/EHP_MANAGEMENT_GROUP
- Average 1-BR rent price: $726
- Average rent change in the past year: -62.15%
There’s no shortage of things to do in Clayton. An inner-ring suburb of St. Louis, residents and even those who work in Clayton can take advantage of the services at the Center of Clayton. The 136,000-square-foot facility features four gymnasiums, two pools, a suspended jogging track, weight lifting, aerobic/dance areas and a 30-foot climbing wall. The town is near Washington University of St. Louis, making it an affordable place to live for college students, too.
6. Grandview
SOURCE: RENT.COM/ARBORS_OF_GRANDVIEW
- Average 1-BR rent price: $695
- Average rent change in the past year: -1.88%
Grandview was once a farming town where young Harry Truman, who would later become the country’s 33rd president, spent much time on the family farm in the early 1900s. It has since become a vibrant city filled with parks, an active Main Street, major retail centers, restaurants, a microbrewery and hotel. Local legend has it that early leaders looked upon the rolling hills in the area and asked if it was a grand view, hence its name Grandview. The area, grand view and all, has been holding its rental rates on apartments pretty steady. Since last year, the monthly rate for a one-bedroom apartment dipped slightly, keeping the area at less than $700 a month.
5. Branson
- Average 1-BR rent price: $684
- Average rent change in the past year: +36.71%
Branson is known as a tourist attraction, and locals benefit from the shows, music and entertainment this area produces for its thousands of out-of-town visitors annually. While it’s a popular family vacation destination, it’s also home to more than 12,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The area is becoming more popular and rent has increased more than 35 percent from last year. Still, it’s possible to find a one-bedroom apartment in this entertaining city for less than $700 a month.
4. Springfield
- Average 1-BR rent price: $675
- Average rent change in the past year: -17.04%
The third-largest city in Missouri, Springfield is also known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks” thanks to its location. Its downtown features shopping boutiques, restaurants and craft breweries, as well as art galleries and antique shops. The historic Gillioz Theatre stages plays and concerts while the Springfield Contemporary Theater shows more original and classic work. Rent has been decreasing in Springfield. Since last year, it’s dipped 17 percent, making this busy and robust city very affordable.
3. Republic
SOURCE: RENT.COM/OAK_PLACE_COURT
- Average 1-BR rent price: $670
- Average rent change in the past year: -15.75%
Located in southwest Missouri, Republic features several parks and trails, an aquatics center and is home to Ozarks Technical Community College. Although its population grew by almost 14 percent over the last decade, according to the most recent U.S. Census data, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom has decreased by almost 16 percent since last year, making Republic one of the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
2. Riverside
SOURCE: RENT.COM/EL_CHAPARRAL
- Average 1-BR rent price: $635
- Average rent change in the past year: +3.25%
Whether it’s enjoying films outdoors during Movie Night at E.H. Young Riverfront Park, taking in the newest public art installations or working out in the new Kansas City NWSL complex trailing facility, there’s something for everyone to do in Riverside. Located on the edge of the Missouri River just 10 minutes north of downtown Kansas City, this town is known for its well-regarded schools and a strong sense of community.
1. Saint Ann
SOURCE: RENT.COM/CABANA_CLUB
- Average 1-BR rent price: $583
- Average rent change in the past year: N/A
A suburb of St. Louis, Saint Ann borders Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and features a 34-par, nine-hole golf course, as well as six parks. It’s a quiet residential community so if you want to live near St. Louis, Saint Ann might be a great and affordable option as a one-bedroom unit is less than $600 a month.
The most expensive places to live in Missouri
While this is a list of the top cheapest cities to live in Missouri, check out some of the most expensive cities here.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a one-year rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com’s multifamily rental property inventory as of August 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com