2 Missouri cities among the top affordable places to live, national site says
Moving is expensive, housing is expensive, rent is expensive, everything is expensive. But according to U.S. News and World Report, two Missouri towns stand out as uniquely affordable.
In June, the national publication published a list of the 25 best affordable places to live for 2025-2026. The website compared the median annual household income with housing costs, along with regional cost of living. This means residents pay less of their income on housing and living expenses.
Located at the north and south ends of the state, these two cities let residents live at a lower price.
St. Joseph, Missouri
Located an hour north of Kansas City, this town on the banks of the Missouri is the home to 71,000 residents, along with the Chiefs training camp. St. Joseph came in 19th in the U.S. News ranking.
Typically, people make $30,000 per year in St. Joseph, leaving 17.5% of residents under the poverty line. This is 50% more than the Missouri poverty rate.
A one-bedroom rental in St. Joseph typically costs $714 a month, while a three-bedroom sets people back $1,046, according to the 5-year American Community Survey, conducted by the Census Bureau from 2019-2023.
Joplin
This southwest Missouri town with 53,000 residents sits near the intersection of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Joplin was ranked 20th in the U.S. News ranking.
In Joplin, a one-bedroom rental costs $672 a month, while a three bedroom sets people back $1,193, according to the 5-year American Community Survey.
On average, a person in Joplin makes $30,300 per year, which is $8,000 less than the Missouri average. Almost 18% of Joplin residents live below the poverty line.
Best cheap places to live
Here is the full list of 25 best affordable places to live, according to U.S. News and World Report.
- Decatur, Illinois
- Enid, Oklahoma
- Weirton, West Virginia
- Springfield, Illinois
- Mission, Texas
- Bay City, Michigan
- Eagle Pass, Texas
- Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Anniston, Alabama
- Midland, Michigan
- Laredo, Texas
- League City, Texas
- Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
- Katy, Texas
- Wichita Falls, Texas
- Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Dothan, Alabama
- St. Joseph, Missouri
- Joplin, Missouri
- Harlingen, Texas
- Florence, South Carolina
- McAllen, Texas
- Florissant, Missouri
- Battle Creek, Michigan
