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Yes, Missouri can be a good place to retire. Many retirees look here for lower living costs, varied towns, and access to nature and health care. Missouri offers lively cities and quiet small communities.
Still, it is not one size fits all. This guide shows you what daily life looks like across regions, from weather and travel needs to health access and lifestyle pace.
What You’ll Learn
The advantages and drawbacks of retiring in Missouri
The best cities for retirees in the Show-Me State
The frequently asked questions individuals ask about retirement in Missouri
Summary
Pros of Retiring in Missouri
Affordable Living & Tax Benefits
The cost of living in Missouri is more than 10 percent lower than the rest of the country. There are many reasons for this.
Missourians pay less for specific expenses across the board. Housing, for example, costs $255,937 on average. That is more than 30 percent lower than the national average. Rent, groceries, electricity, and healthcare are also less expensive in the Show-Me State.
The table below shows how retiring in Missouri costs compared to the national average:
There are other reasons why settling in the Show-Me State can be beneficial to your wallet:
No tax on Social Security benefits: This helps give you more spendable income in retirement.
No tax on military pensions: With more income left after tax, housing lenders may count more of your pension when deciding how much home you can afford.
Diverse Lifestyles & Culture
Missouri offers residents different experiences. You can enjoy big city culture in St. Louis or Kansas City with music, sports, and festivals. Or you can settle in small towns where local fairs, history, wine trails, and famous barbecue shape daily life.
Some cities where you can find Missouri’s thriving heritage include:
Jefferson City: The capital of Missouri contains multiple historic buildings. One of these is Temple Beth El, which stands as the oldest synagogue west of the Mississippi. It has remained in continuous use since 1883.
Hannibal: This river town celebrates National Tom Sawyer Days every July 4 weekend with contests from local lore, a parade, and fireworks tied to Mark Twain’s stories about life here.
Outdoor Recreation & Healthcare
There are many things to do in Missouri as a retiree. You can hike trails through bluffs, forests, and rivers. You can also explore caves in Missouri through its numerous state parks.
Access to well-known hospitals in major cities means help stays close if you need care. These healthcare centers include:
Barnes-Jewish Hospital: One of the largest and most respected hospitals in the state. Operates a dedicated geriatric care services unit that treats senior-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis.
Centerpoint Medical Center: This hospital provides a range of acute medical care, including emergency services, heart care, and chronic disease support.
Cons of Retiring in Missouri
Natural Disaster Risk
The Show-Me State sees frequent severe weather. More than 30 Missouri tornadoes occur each year, with most happening in spring and early summer. Floods, ice storms, and severe storms also happen.
This means you may need to:
Build an emergency kit: Keep a bag with water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight with extra batteries, essential documents, and a phone charger.
Sign up for emergency alerts: The State Emergency Management Agency maintains a directory of emergency management offices for each county, making it easy for you to find and contact local agencies for guidance.
Limited Public Services
In rural Missouri, nearly all travel to health care depends on private vehicles because public transit options are limited and sparse. Some residents may need to travel more than 100 miles round-trip for a provider visit.
Handling this can involve:
Talking with your local Area Agency on Aging: Through the Missouri Senior Resource Line, you can find local transportation help near you.
Explore telehealth options: Many health systems in Missouri support remote visits. This can reduce long drives for check-ups and follow-ups and help you manage chronic conditions from home.
Best Cities for Retirees
Columbia
Columbia sits on oak-covered hills and rolling prairie land near the Missouri River, blending city life with access to parks, trails, and green spaces. It features historic buildings, lively streets, local shops, and arts venues as one of the largest cities in Missouri.
Population: ~130,900
Average home price: $312,969
Notable attractions: Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Missouri
Branson
Branson lies in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and has grown into a live entertainment hub that rivals Austin’s music reputation. With more than 100 live shows in more than 40 theaters, you will find music from many genres played year-round. The city also offers theaters, museums, outdoor fun, and scenic lakes.
Population: ~12,869
Average home price: $244,375
Notable attractions: Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Titanic Museum Attraction
Lee’s Summit
Lee’s Summit sits near Kansas City with parks, lakes, and a downtown. You have access to Saint Luke’s East Hospital and retirement communities offering independent living, care, and memory support.
Population: ~106,419
Average home price: $377,545
Notable attractions: Lee’s Summit History Museum, Missouri Town Living History Museum
St. Louis
The largest among Missouri cities, St. Louis sits along the Mississippi River. Historic neighborhoods, the Missouri Botanical Garden, free world-class attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo, and lively food markets give this city a rich, lived-in feel.
Population: ~279,695
Average home price: $179,683
Notable attractions: Saint Louis Art Museum, The Gateway Arch
Sedalia
Sedalia sits in the heart of central Missouri with rolling prairie views and easy access to highway routes that link you to bigger cities. Downtown you’ll find history and culture: historic rail depots, Victorian-era buildings, art museums, and the annual Missouri State Fair that draws crowds from across the state.
Population: ~22,310
Average home price: $180,680
Notable attractions: Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, Daum Museum of Contemporary Art
Town and Country
Town and Country sits in western St. Louis County with lush green space, rolling hills, and wide residential streets that blend suburban comfort with natural beauty.
Population: ~11,625
Average home price: $1,103,092
Notable attractions: Longview Farm Park, Preservation & Cadet Park
Final Thoughts: Retiring in Missouri
Missouri offers a retirement shaped by variety, comfort, and choice. You find scenic parks, rivers, and small towns alongside lively cities, trusted health care, and rich local traditions. Whether you prefer quiet days outdoors or active community life, Missouri gives you room to settle in and enjoy each season at your own pace.
Move Your Car to the Show-Me State with AmeriFreight
Getting around Missouri is easier when you have your own car. Driving helps you reach parks, rivers, medical centers, and small towns spread across the state. For retirees settling in for the long term, having your vehicle nearby adds comfort and day-to-day flexibility.
If you aim to retire in Missouri, shipping your vehicle with AmeriFreight Auto Transport can simplify the move. Our team brings more than 20 years of experience coordinating car shipping to and from the Show-Me State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Missouri have a high risk of ice storms that lead to long-term power outages in rural areas?
Yes, Missouri does face ice storm risk that can lead to long outages in rural areas. Historic storms have left more than 200,000 homes without power for days or weeks when ice-coated trees and lines caused widespread damage.
What are the best Missouri small towns for retirees that have a walkable downtown and a local farmers market?
Parkville, Rocheport, and Hermann rank among the best towns to retire in Missouri, with walkable downtowns, local farmers markets, and scenic charm. These towns offer history, shops, and community life that retirees often seek in small-town living.
Some of these towns sit near rivers in Missouri, where walking trails follow the water and offer scenic views during daily walks or relaxed outings.
Are there reliable non-emergency medical transportation services in the Ozarks for retirees who don’t drive?
Yes. In the Ozarks and across Missouri, retirees who do not drive can access non-emergency medical transportation. Programs like MO HealthNet’s NEMT provide scheduled rides to covered medical appointments.
How many days of snow removal should I budget if I retire in Northern Missouri vs Central Missouri?
Northern Missouri usually gets more snow and cold days than central parts of the state. Towns like Kirksville and Trenton average about 9–11 days with measurable snow each winter, compared with about 5–7 snow days in central cities like Columbia or Jefferson City.
Expect more frequent snow removal needs the farther north you retire.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws, regulations, and local conditions are subject to change without notice.
Readers should not act upon this information without seeking appropriate professional counsel, especially in financial and legal matters.
