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Moving from California to Missouri

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Show-Me State, KC + STL metros, BBQ rivalries.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

MO state flag
Moving to

Missouri

Capital: Jefferson City

Median household income $65,920 · winter low 24°F · 200 sunny days

Show-Me State, KC + STL metros, BBQ rivalries.

Missouri has an overall price level 90.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Missouri
90.8
Missouri has 18% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Missouri
69.9
Missouri has 55% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
Missouri
97.7
Missouri has 4.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Missouri
98.6
Missouri has 2.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
Missouri
13.4 ¢/kWh
Missouri has 60% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Missouri
98.2
Missouri has 3.9% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Missouri
$254,400
Missouri is 67% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
Missouri
$870/mo
Missouri is 53% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 24°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Missouri
88°F
Missouri is 4.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Missouri
24°F
Missouri is 47% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Missouri
55°F
Missouri is 6.8% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Missouri
200
Missouri has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Missouri
44 in
Missouri is 71% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
68
Missouri
44
Missouri has 35% lower AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
Missouri
12 in
Missouri is 25% less annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaMissouri report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Missouri than California?

Missouri's overall price level is roughly 89.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Missouri tops out at 4.7%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Missouri?

Most Missouri residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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