Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $866 in Missouri versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Missouri runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,279 in Missouri and $83,857 in Washington — about 34% higher in Washington. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.225%
6.5%
+2.3 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
4.70%
None
+4.7 pp in Missouri
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$866
$1,332
+54% in Washington
Median Home Value
$185,100
$454,600
+146% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,279
$83,857
+52% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
56.3°F
52.1°F
+4.2°F in Missouri
Missouri vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or Washington?
- Missouri is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $866 runs about 35% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Missouri than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Missouri or Washington?
- Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Missouri/Washington — 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.