Report: Mo. ranks 11th in cost of living

Missouri ranked 11th in the nation in cost of living during the first quarter, according to recently released data.

Overall, Missouri’s cost-of-living index for the three-month period was 91.5 on a 100-point scale measuring groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous services and products. A lower score indicates lesser costs, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center of the Department of Economic Development, citing data from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

During the first quarter, Missouri scored 78.3 in housing; 86.5 in transportation; 95.2 in groceries; 97 in health; 98.7 in miscellaneous; and 104.1 in utilities, according to a MERIC news release.

Among U.S. states, Mississippi ranked No. 1 and Hawaii was last. Much of the Midwest and South scored lower than 95, while the coasts towered above the rest of the country with scores over 115.

Springfield’s composite score was 89.8, the second lowest among major cities in Missouri. Cities, by rank:

• Joplin, 88;
• Springfield, 89.8;
• Jefferson City, 91.1;
• St. Louis, 91.8;
• Columbia, 93.6; and
• Kansas City, 94.8.

The Queen City scored 71.7 in housing; 83 in transportation; 94.2 in health; 99 in miscellaneous; 100 in groceries; and 103 in utilities, according to the release.

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Much of the Midwest and South scored lower than 95, while the coasts towered above the rest of the country with scores over 115.

Graphic provided by MERIC