The 63857 zip code in Kennett tops our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Missouri.
Whether you're searching for affordable cities and towns to buy a home or the places with the lowest cost of living to rent, consider the following zip codes.
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Top 10 most affordable places to live in Missouri
| Rank | City | Affordability Score | Median home value | Rental costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennett 🥇 | 100.0 | $111,569 | $1,430 |
| 2 | Sikeston 🥈 | 99.4 | $156,932 | $1,430 |
| 3 | Kirksville 🥉 | 95.6 | $175,674 | $967 |
| 4 | Dexter | 90.5 | $160,110 | $1,430 |
| 5 | Saint Louis | 90.4 | $223,238 | $1,221 |
| 6 | Marshall | 88.6 | $183,189 | $1,430 |
| 7 | Sullivan | 85.7 | $204,683 | $1,430 |
| 8 | Florissant | 85.5 | $272,156 | $1,430 |
| 9 | Maryland Heights | 85.4 | $258,730 | $1,483 |
| 10 | Bonne Terre | 84.2 | $202,302 | $1,430 |
What these affordable cities and towns have in common
The 10 zip codes we ranked share a common trait: a low cost of living relative to the Missouri median.
Median home values, rental costs, and property taxes generally sit below the state averages, while household incomes remain strong enough to keep home affordability ratios manageable. Below, we look at each market in detail.
1. Kennett
Here's why the 63857 zip code in Kennett is Missouri's most affordable place to live.
🔎 Key data about Kennett
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 100.0 | No. 1 | N/A |
| Median home value | $111,569[1] | No. 10 | -$174,008 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.0 | No. 3 | -1.6 |
| Home value five-year change | 6.3%[2] | No. 1 | -25.1% |
| Home value one-year forecast | -4.7%[3] | No. 1 | -5.3% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $55,188[5] | No. 143 | -$23,807 |
| Property taxes | $874[6] | No. 11 | -$1,632 |
| Energy costs | $0.14 kWh[7] | No. 138 | $0.01 |
Kennett's 63857 zip code is the cheapest place to live in Missouri, leading the 181 markets we evaluated.
The median home value is $111,569, making it the 10th-cheapest housing market in the state. Forecasts project a -4.7% change in home values in the next year. Rent in the zip code averages $1,430 per month, which is the 63rd cheapest amount in Missouri.
The median property tax for homeowners in Kennett is $874 per household, the No. 11 ranked market in Missouri.
Residents pay $0.14 per kWh of electricity, which ranks No. 138 among Missouri markets.
📈 Thinking about buying in Missouri? See our complete housing market outlook for the data, trends, and timing insights Missouri buyers need to know.
2. Sikeston
The 63801 zip code is the 2nd-cheapest place to live in Missouri.
🔎 Key data about Sikeston
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 99.4 | No. 2 | N/A |
| Median home value | $156,932[1] | No. 22 | -$128,645 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.5 | No. 12 | -1.1 |
| Home value five-year change | 8.8%[2] | No. 3 | -22.7% |
| Home value one-year forecast | -2.3%[3] | No. 2 | -2.9% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $62,698[5] | No. 109 | -$16,297 |
| Property taxes | $1,046[6] | No. 18 | -$1,460 |
| Energy costs | $0.12 kWh[7] | No. 6 | -$0.01 |
Sikeston's 63801 zip code has a median home value of $156,932, which is the 22nd-cheapest housing market in Missouri. You can rent for an average of $1,430 per month. That's the 69th-cheapest price in the state.
The average household income in the zip code is $62,698, which ranks 109th-highest in the state.
Homeowners in Sikeston pay a median property tax of $1,046 per year, making it the 18th-most affordable market in Missouri.
Sikeston ranks No. 6 among Missouri energy markets. You'll pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity.
3. Kirksville
The 3rd-least-expensive place to live in Missouri is Kirksville's 63501 zip code.
🔎 Key data about Kirksville
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 95.6 | No. 3 | N/A |
| Median home value | $175,674[1] | No. 38 | -$109,903 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.9 | No. 27 | -0.7 |
| Home value five-year change | 21.1%[2] | No. 17 | -10.3% |
| Home value one-year forecast | -1.0%[3] | No. 4 | -1.6% |
| Rental costs | $967[4] | No. 7 | -$463 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.59% | No. 35 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $60,729[5] | No. 122 | -$18,266 |
| Property taxes | $1,318[6] | No. 43 | -$1,188 |
| Energy costs | $0.14 kWh[7] | No. 142 | $0.01 |
The No. 38 cheapest housing market in Missouri is Kirksville's 63501 zip code, with a median home value of $175,674. Rents in the market average $967 per month, making it the 7th-most affordable rental market in the state.
The median property tax for households in Kirksville is $1,318, which makes it the 43rd-cheapest place in Missouri. Kirksville ranks No. 142 among Missouri markets by energy costs. Residents pay $0.14 per kWh of electricity.
4. Dexter
The 63841 zip code in Dexter comes in at No. 4 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
🔎 Key data about Dexter
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 90.5 | No. 4 | N/A |
| Median home value | $160,110[1] | No. 25 | -$125,468 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.7 | No. 23 | -0.9 |
| Home value five-year change | 15.0%[2] | No. 8 | -16.4% |
| Home value one-year forecast | 0.6%[3] | No. 123 | 0.0% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $58,607[5] | No. 130 | -$20,388 |
| Property taxes | $1,245[6] | No. 32 | -$1,261 |
| Energy costs | $0.12 kWh[7] | No. 32 | -$0.01 |
The No. 25 cheapest housing market in Missouri is Dexter's 63841 zip code, where the median home value is $160,110. Renters here pay an average of $1,430 per month.
When it comes to energy costs, Dexter ranks 32nd among Missouri markets. Residents pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity.
The median property tax for households in the zip code is $1,245, which makes it the 32nd-cheapest market in Missouri.
5. Saint Louis
The 63139 zip code in Saint Louis ranks No. 5 among Missouri's most affordable places to live.
🔎 Key data about Saint Louis
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 90.4 | No. 5 | N/A |
| Median home value | $223,238[1] | No. 63 | -$62,340 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.9 | No. 35 | -0.7 |
| Home value five-year change | 19.7%[2] | No. 13 | -11.8% |
| Home value one-year forecast | 0.3%[3] | No. 13 | -0.3% |
| Rental costs | $1,221[4] | No. 33 | -$209 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.61% | No. 39 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $75,757[5] | No. 77 | -$3,238 |
| Property taxes | $2,413[6] | No. 115 | -$93 |
| Energy costs | $0.13 kWh[7] | No. 47 | $0.00 |
Saint Louis's 63139 zip code has a median home value of $223,238, the 63rd-cheapest housing market in the state. Forecasts project a 0.3% change in home values in the next year.
The median property tax per household in Saint Louis is $2,413. It's the 115th-cheapest market by tax rate in Missouri.
6. Marshall
The No. 6 most affordable city in Missouri is the 65340 zip code.
🔎 Key data about Marshall
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 88.6 | No. 6 | N/A |
| Median home value | $183,189[1] | No. 42 | -$102,389 |
| Home affordability ratio | 3.2 | No. 47 | -0.5 |
| Home value five-year change | 27.9%[2] | No. 44 | -3.5% |
| Home value one-year forecast | -1.9%[3] | No. 3 | -2.5% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $58,118[5] | No. 132 | -$20,877 |
| Property taxes | $1,288[6] | No. 39 | -$1,218 |
| Energy costs | $0.13 kWh[7] | No. 112 | $0.00 |
The back half of our top 10 kicks off with Marshall's 65340 zip code, which has the 42nd-cheapest home values in Missouri. The median home value is $183,189. Rents average $1,430 per month, making it the 69th-most affordable rental market in the state.
Residents pay $0.13 per kWh of electricity. It's the 112th-cheapest energy market.
7. Sullivan
Sullivan's 63080 zip code is the 7th-cheapest place to live in Missouri.
🔎 Key data about Sullivan
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 85.7 | No. 7 | N/A |
| Median home value | $204,683[1] | No. 53 | -$80,895 |
| Home affordability ratio | 3.1 | No. 41 | -0.5 |
| Home value five-year change | 25.8%[2] | No. 31 | -5.7% |
| Home value one-year forecast | 0.3%[3] | No. 13 | -0.3% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $66,541[5] | No. 99 | -$12,454 |
| Property taxes | $1,456[6] | No. 56 | -$1,050 |
| Energy costs | $0.13 kWh[7] | No. 80 | $0.00 |
You'll find the 53rd-cheapest home values in Missouri in Sullivan's 63080 zip code. The median value: $204,683. Renters in Sullivan pay an average of $1,430 per month.
Homeowners in Sullivan pay a median property tax of $1,456 per year, which is Missouri's 56th-most affordable market.
The average household income is $66,541, which ranks 99th-highest in the state.
8. Florissant
The 8th-least-expensive place to live in Missouri is Florissant's 63034 zip code.
🔎 Key data about Florissant
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 85.5 | No. 8 | N/A |
| Median home value | $272,156[1] | No. 103 | -$13,421 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.6 | No. 18 | -1.0 |
| Home value five-year change | 24.4%[2] | No. 25 | -7.0% |
| Home value one-year forecast | 0.3%[3] | No. 13 | -0.3% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $103,905[5] | No. 24 | $24,910 |
| Property taxes | $3,689[6] | No. 156 | $1,183 |
| Energy costs | $0.12 kWh[7] | No. 7 | -$0.01 |
The 103rd-cheapest housing market in Missouri is Florissant's 63034 zip code, with a median home value of $272,156. Renters pay an average of $1,430 per month, the No. 69 rental market in the state.
The median property tax for households in Florissant is $3,689, which makes it the 156th-cheapest place in Missouri. The average household income of $103,905 ranks 24th.
9. Maryland Heights
Maryland Heights's 63043 zip code is one of Missouri's most affordable towns, sneaking into the top ten of our rankings.
🔎 Key data about Maryland Heights
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 85.4 | No. 9 | N/A |
| Median home value | $258,730[1] | No. 91 | -$26,848 |
| Home affordability ratio | 2.8 | No. 24 | -0.8 |
| Home value five-year change | 28.1%[2] | No. 47 | -3.4% |
| Home value one-year forecast | 0.3%[3] | No. 13 | -0.3% |
| Rental costs | $1,483[4] | No. 138 | $52 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.62% | No. 40 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $91,509[5] | No. 45 | $12,514 |
| Property taxes | $2,970[6] | No. 130 | $464 |
| Energy costs | $0.13 kWh[7] | No. 47 | $0.00 |
The 91st-cheapest housing market in Missouri is Maryland Heights's 63043 zip code, where the median home value is $258,730. Renters pay an average of $1,483 per month. It's the state's 138th-cheapest rental market.
The median property tax for households within the zip code is $2,970, which makes it the 130th-cheapest property tax rate in Missouri.
10. Bonne Terre
The final spot on our list of the most affordable places to live in Missouri goes to the 63628 zip code in Bonne Terre.
🔎 Key data about Bonne Terre
| Data point | Value | Rank (out of 181 markets) | Difference from median or average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Score | 84.2 | No. 10 | N/A |
| Median home value | $202,302[1] | No. 49 | -$83,275 |
| Home affordability ratio | 3.2 | No. 50 | -0.4 |
| Home value five-year change | 29.5%[2] | No. 62 | -2.0% |
| Home value one-year forecast | 0.0%[3] | No. 5 | -0.6% |
| Rental costs | $1,430[4] | No. 69 | $0 |
| Rent affordability ratio | 1.81% | No. 63 | 0.0% |
| Median household income | $63,602[5] | No. 104 | -$15,393 |
| Property taxes | $1,289[6] | No. 40 | -$1,217 |
| Energy costs | $0.14 kWh[7] | No. 133 | $0.01 |
Rounding out our top 10 is Bonne Terre's 63628 zip code, with the 49th-cheapest home values in Missouri.
The median home value is $202,302. Rent in the market costs $1,430 per month on average.
The median property tax for households in Bonne Terre is $1,289, which is the 40th-cheapest property tax rate in the state.
Bonne Terre ranks No. 133 among Missouri markets by energy costs, with households paying $0.14 per kWh of electricity.
What questions about these cities should I ask local agents?
Once you've found a town you're interested in, you'll want to ask a local agent for details our rankings can't capture. Start with these four questions:
- What neighborhoods inside this zip code have the best resale value?
- What's the rental market like right now?
- Are there local property tax exemptions or homestead programs you'd qualify for?
- What are the most common surprises buyers run into here?
🏡 Need a local agent? We can connect you with an expert who knows the market.
Frequently asked questions about the least expensive places to live in Missouri
Based on Clever's Affordability Score, the 63857 zip code in Kennett is the cheapest place to live in Missouri.
The median home value is $111,569, and the median household income is $55,188, giving Kennett a home affordability ratio of 2.0, meaning a typical home costs about that many times the median annual income.
See our Affordability Score methodology and the full ranking of the 10 cheapest places to live in Missouri.
The median home value in Missouri is $285,578.
See the rankings above for how individual cities compare to these state-wide figures.
Missouri is currently a neutral market, according to Clever's Market Heat Index.
The index reflects the balance between buyer demand and seller supply, which affects how much negotiating power buyers and sellers have in any given market.
Markets also vary by city, county, and neighborhood. It's always good to check with a local real estate agent to understand the dynamics of a given local market.
The median amount homeowners pay in property taxes in Missouri is $2,506 per year.
Property taxes are a key part of the overall cost of living, and they vary significantly by location. The per-city tax figures in the rankings above show how each of the 10 cheapest places stacks up against the Missouri median.
📍 The 10 cheapest places to live in your region
How we ranked the most affordable cities and towns in Missouri
We evaluated 181 zip codes in Missouri with a population over 10,000 on home values, rental costs, energy rates, property taxes, and five other affordability indicators. We then assigned each market an Affordability Score based on its weighted and combined rankings.
Our proprietary Affordability Score is a score on a scale of 0 (worst in state) to 100 (best in state) that estimates the affordability of a particular zip code. It takes into account these key data points for each zip code.
- Median home value: The median home value for each zip code comes from the Zillow Home Value Index. The lower the median home value relative to the median value in Missouri, the higher our score on this component. We assign a weight of 13.0% to median home value.
- Home affordability ratio. The home affordability ratio is the typical median home value divided by the median household income in the zip code, which reveals the number of years of household income needed to afford a home in that zip code. A lower ratio is better because it means more households can afford a home. The data comes from the Zillow Observed Rent Index and the U.S. Census American Community Survey. We assign a weight of 28.0% to the home affordability ratio.
- Home value five-year change: The home value five-year change is the amount that the median home value in the zip code has risen or fallen during the last five years. Our data comes from the Zillow Home Value Index. We assign a weight of 10.0% to the home value five-year change.
- Home value one-year forecast: The home value one-year forecast comes from Zillow Forecast data. It projects how much home values in the zip code are forecasted to change in the next year. We assign a weight of 8.0% to the home value one-year forecast.
- Rental costs. The rental costs are the observed rents in the zip code, sourced from the Zillow Observed Rent Index. The index includes "listed rents that fall into the 40th to 60th percentile range for all homes and apartments in a given region." We assign a weight of 7.0% to rental costs.
- Median household income: The inflation-adjusted median household income figures for the zip code comes from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. We assign a weight of 5.0% to median household income.
- Rent affordability ratio. The rent affordability ratio is the ratio of rental costs divided by median household income, which provides the percentage of household income needed to pay a typical month’s rent in the zip code. The data comes from the Zillow Observed Rent Index and the U.S. Census American Community Survey. We assign a weight of 17.0% to the rent affordability ratio.
- Property taxes: The property tax figures are the median real estate taxes paid in the zip code, sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. The lower the property tax rate relative to the Missouri average, the higher our score on this component. We assign a weight of 8.0% to property taxes.
- Energy costs: The energy costs are the costs of a kilowatt hour (kWh) of residential electricity in the zip code, sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy. The lower the cost of electricity relative to the Missouri average, the higher our score on this component. We assign a weight of 4.0% to energy costs.
✍️ Editor’s note: Our Affordability Score identifies the most affordable places in a state by zip code. Often the zip code we identify will represent an entire city or portion of a city.
Occasionally the zip code we identify will encompass an area that includes one or more small towns. In these cases, the data we’ve gathered applies to the entire zip code, not just the single town we’re using to help identify the zip code's location.
If you’re looking to move to one of these affordable places, we recommend doing additional research to make sure the costs in the area — and the quality of life it offers — meet your specific needs.
Why you should trust us
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Our team is committed to making home purchasing more transparent by educating buyers and sellers through guides like this one. Our writers, editors, and industry-leading researchers strive to provide readers with the most up-to-date, accurate, and useful information.
Our research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more publications.
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