Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $866 in Missouri. Overall, Missouri runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Michigan, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $55,279 in Missouri — about 16% higher in Michigan. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4.225%
+1.8 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
4.70%
+0.5 pp in Missouri
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$866
+10% in Michigan
Median Home Value
$225,500
$185,100
+18% in Michigan
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$55,279
+16% in Michigan
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
56.3°F
+7.2°F in Missouri
Michigan vs Missouri — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Missouri?
- Missouri is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $866 runs about 10% below Michigan's $964, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan than in Missouri?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $35,000 in Missouri.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Missouri?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Michigan/Missouri — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.