Missouri vs Virginia Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$84,364
in Missouri
$73,386
in Virginia
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Missouri | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.5 | 106.7 | -27% |
| Groceries | 95.9 | 99.7 | -4% |
| Utilities | 92.0 | 97.5 | -6% |
| Transportation | 87.2 | 95.5 | -9% |
| Healthcare | 100.3 | 107.6 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 93.7 | 101.5 | -8% |
| Overall | 88.9 | 102.2 | -13% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Missouri.
What things actually cost
| Item | Missouri | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $235,000 | $380,000 | $145,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,085/mo | $1,494/mo | $409 |
| Gas price | $3.03/gal | $3.32/gal | $0.29 |
| Electric bill | $98/mo | $94/mo | +$4 |
| Infant childcare | $13,173/yr | $14,277/yr | $1,104 |
Salary equivalent: Missouri → Virginia
What a Missouri salary buys you in Virginia, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Missouri | Equivalent in Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $57,480 | $-7,480 |
| $75,000 | $86,220 | $-11,220 |
| $100,000 | $114,961 | $-14,961 |
| $150,000 | $172,441 | $-22,441 |
| $200,000 | $229,921 | $-29,921 |
Positive = your money goes further in Virginia. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Virginia is 13% more expensive than Missouri overall. Virginia has an index of 102.2 vs 88.9 for Missouri (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or Virginia?
Missouri is cheaper to live in. Virginia is 13% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $235,000 in Missouri vs $380,000 in Virginia.
Is Missouri cheaper than Virginia?
Yes, Missouri is 13% cheaper than Virginia overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Virginia more expensive than Missouri?
Yes, Virginia is 13% more expensive than Missouri based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Virginia equals $100,000 in Missouri?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Missouri, you would need approximately $114,961 in Virginia. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (88.9 vs 102.2).
How do housing costs compare between Missouri and Virginia?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Missouri. Median home prices are $235,000 in Missouri vs $380,000 in Virginia — a $145,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,085/mo vs $1,494/mo.
What costs more in Missouri vs Virginia?
Housing is 27% lower in Missouri (index 77.5 vs 106.7). Transportation is 9% lower in Missouri (index 87.2 vs 95.5). Dining & Misc is 8% lower in Missouri (index 93.7 vs 101.5).
Is gas cheaper in Missouri or Virginia?
Gas averages $3.03/gallon in Missouri and $3.32/gallon in Virginia — a $0.29 difference per gallon.
Missouri vs Virginia cost of living — how do they compare?
Missouri has an overall cost-of-living index of 88.9 and Virginia has 102.2 (national average = 100). Virginia is 13% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Virginia?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 4.80% on income above $8,968. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.75% on income above $17,001. Use the Missouri vs Virginia paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Missouri and Virginia?
Missouri requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Virginia requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Missouri Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Virginia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Missouri vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- Missouri Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Missouri
- Virginia Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Virginia
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in Missouri — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Virginia — How much house can you afford?
- Missouri Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Virginia Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Missouri Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Virginia Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.