Last Updated 7/7/2026
Missouri is a beautiful state with plenty to offer, from affordable living and welcoming communities to great food, entertainment, and outdoor activities. If you’re considering moving to Missouri, the team at G&G Insurance is here to help. We’ve put together this guide to help you get familiar with Missouri and prepare for your move. Let’s get started!
Facts About Missouri You Should Know Before Moving
Before you move, here are some facts about Missouri you should know:
- Missouri’s nickname is The Show-Me State
- State Capital: Jefferson City
- State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
- State Flower: White Hawthorn Blossom
- Missouri is the 19th most populous state in the U.S.
- Missouri is the 18th largest state by land area
- Missouri is known for its famous barbecue culture, especially Kansas City-style BBQ
- The highest point in Missouri is Taum Sauk Mountain at 1,772 feet
- Missouri’s effective property tax rate is approximately 0.9%–1%, depending on location and property value
The most populated cities in Missouri include:
- Kansas City: approximately 510,000 residents
- St. Louis: approximately 280,000 residents
- Springfield: approximately 170,000 residents
- Columbia: approximately 130,000 residents
- Independence: approximately 123,000 residents
Cost of Living in Missouri
When looking at the cost of living, it’s hard to give one number for the entire state, especially when it comes to moving to Missouri. Costs vary depending on whether you live in a larger city like St. Louis or Kansas City or a smaller town.
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Missouri continues to rank among the more affordable states in the country. Housing and everyday expenses are generally lower than many national averages, although costs will depend on your location and lifestyle.
Even in larger cities, buying a home in Missouri is often more affordable compared to many parts of the country. Before purchasing a home, it’s important to consider insurance costs as part of your overall moving budget.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Missouri
Pros
Moving to Missouri has plenty of advantages. The cost of living is one of the biggest benefits, and many communities offer affordable housing options compared to other parts of the country.
Missouri is also known for friendly communities, great food, and a strong barbecue culture. If you enjoy BBQ, you’ll find plenty of smokehouses specializing in Kansas City-style barbecue.
If you’re a sports fan, you have several teams to support, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Missouri is also home to Branson, known as a major entertainment destination with live shows, attractions, and family-friendly activities.
Cons
Like any state, Missouri has some challenges to consider. Summers can be extremely hot and humid, and parts of the state experience severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Crime rates can vary depending on the city and neighborhood, so researching areas before moving is important. Winters can also bring freezing temperatures, snow, and icy conditions.
How to Prepare for Moving to Missouri
Moving out of state can be stressful if you’re not prepared. When planning your move to Missouri, follow these steps to help make the process easier.
Forward Your Mail
One of the first things you’ll want to do is forward your mail. You can update your address directly through the United States Postal Service (USPS) Change of Address website.
Purge Unwanted Items
Moving to Missouri is a great opportunity to get rid of unnecessary belongings. Donate items you no longer need to reduce the number of things you have to pack and move.
Hire a Moving Company
If you’re crossing state lines, hiring a moving company can make the process much easier. A professional mover can help ensure your belongings arrive safely and reduce some of the stress that comes with relocating.
Transfer Your Insurance
Another important step before moving to Missouri is transferring your insurance. While you may be driving the same car and living in the same belongings, your location is changing, which can affect your coverage and rates.
Updating your address ensures your policies accurately reflect your new home and helps prevent potential issues if you need to file a claim.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Choosing a new homeowners insurance policy when moving to Missouri can feel overwhelming. Insurance rates depend on factors like your home’s location, age, value, coverage limits, and risks such as severe weather.
Take the time to compare your options and choose a policy that protects your new home and belongings.
Car Insurance
Missouri is a car-friendly state, even in larger cities. Moving is expensive enough, so the last thing you want is to overpay for coverage or choose a policy that does not protect you properly.
Going with the cheapest option without reviewing coverage details could leave you with costly gaps later. G&G Insurance can help you compare options from multiple companies to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
The Bottom Line
Moving to Missouri is a great choice for many people. From affordable living and welcoming communities to great food and entertainment, the state has plenty to offer.
While you’re packing up your things, be sure to contact G&G Insurance, a trusted insurance agency in Missouri, for your homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and other coverage needs to help protect your new home. Get a free quote today!