Cheapest Places to Live in Missouri (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Missouri? We ranked 7 Missouri cities by median home value. The cheapest is Saint Louis (~$147,500); the Missouri median is $245,000.
Most affordable cities in Missouri
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Louis | $147,500 | $134 |
| 2 | Saint Joseph | $174,000 | $125 |
| 3 | Poplar Bluff | $185,000 | $141 |
| 4 | Independence | $230,000 | $149 |
| 5 | Springfield | $237,000 | $166 |
| 6 | Kansas City | $271,500 | $190 |
| 7 | Lees Summit | $425,000 | $196 |
Most expensive cities in Missouri
The priciest Missouri markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lees Summit | $425,000 | $196 |
| 2 | Kansas City | $271,500 | $190 |
| 3 | Springfield | $237,000 | $166 |
| 4 | Independence | $230,000 | $149 |
| 5 | Poplar Bluff | $185,000 | $141 |
| 6 | Saint Joseph | $174,000 | $125 |
| 7 | Saint Louis | $147,500 | $134 |
How we rank Missouri cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Missouri home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Missouri affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Missouri? +
Based on median home value, Saint Louis is among the most affordable cities in Missouri, with a typical home around $147,500 — well below the Missouri median of $245,000.
What is the most expensive city in Missouri? +
By median home value, Lees Summit is among the priciest in Missouri, with a typical home around $425,000.
Is Missouri an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Missouri is about $245,000 (16% more affordable than the U.S. median of $290,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $147,500 to $425,000.