Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $866 in Missouri versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Missouri runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,279 in Missouri and $67,043 in Texas — about 18% higher in Texas. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.225%
6.25%
+2.0 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
4.70%
None
+4.7 pp in Missouri
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$866
$1,170
+35% in Texas
Median Home Value
$185,100
$264,900
+43% in Texas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,279
$67,043
+21% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
56.3°F
67.2°F
+10.9°F in Texas
Missouri vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or Texas?
- Missouri is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $866 runs about 26% below Texas's $1,170, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Missouri than in Texas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $35,000 a year in Missouri versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, Missouri or Texas?
- Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/8 cities we track in Missouri/Texas — 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.