Missouri offers big-city excitement, small-town friendliness, and beautiful countryside. Whether residents want the cultural attractions of its cities or the relaxed pace of rural life, Missouri is a great place to live.
Yet, as people explore new goals, seek other job markets, or want a change in climate or cost of living, some residents consider moving from Missouri. During this early planning stage, it’s common to start researching moving companies in Missouri to get a sense of what a long-distance relocation might require.
Missouri’s two biggest cities are right on its borders: St. Louis next to Illinois and Kansas City on the edge of Kansas. Because of this, many people moving from Missouri head to nearby states.
However, many Missourians also move interstate, farther across the country in search of warmer weather, booming job markets, or lower taxes. During this planning stage, families compare different Missouri moving companies to find the right partner for their transition.
In this blog, we’ll look at the top states Missourians move to: Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida. We’ll cover important topics that Missouri residents need to know when choosing a new home state, such as the cost of living, taxes, job options, and schools. Whether you’re moving for work, lower costs, a new lifestyle, or retirement, these are key things to think about when planning a long-distance move from Missouri.
Moving From Missouri to Kansas
Moving from Missouri to Kansas offers the convenience of being close to home, affordable housing options, and strong suburban communities, particularly around the Kansas City metro area. Many people moving from Missouri to Kansas find shorter commutes, new job opportunities, and highly rated school districts just across the state line.
Cost of Living: Missouri vs. Kansas
Kansas has a cost-of-living index of 88.8, almost exactly the same as Missouri’s 89.0. Housing, groceries, and utilities tend to be very similar, with only marginal savings in some suburban and rural parts of the state.
Popular Cities For People Moving to Kansas
Popular cities for people moving from Missouri to Kansas include Overland Park, known for its great schools and family-friendly neighborhoods; Olathe, a growing suburb with new homes; and Lawrence, a lively college town with the University of Kansas.
Kansas Income and Job Market vs. Missouri
Kansas’s economy is based on agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and technology. Salaries are usually similar to Missouri’s, but can be higher in Kansas City suburbs because of big companies and tech growth. Many professionals moving to Kansas value its strong job market in engineering, education, and healthcare.
Schools in Kansas vs. Missouri
Kansas is known for strong schools, especially in Johnson County. Many districts score higher than Missouri’s averages, which attracts families. School quality can vary, so it’s important to check local data.
Taxes When Moving From Missouri to Kansas
Kansas has a graduated income tax from 3.1% to 5.7%, while Missouri’s ranges from 2% to 4.95%. Property taxes in Kansas average 1.34%, which is slightly higher than Missouri’s 0.88%.
Overall, moving from Missouri to Kansas typically means access to strong schools, stable communities, and slightly lower living costs, all within close proximity to home.
Moving From Missouri to Illinois
Some Missourians choose Illinois, particularly the areas close to St. Louis, for broader job opportunities, larger metro amenities, or access to Chicago’s dynamic economic landscape.
Cost of Living: Missouri vs. Illinois
Illinois has a cost-of-living index of 94.7, compared to Missouri’s 89.0, making Illinois about 6.4% more expensive overall. Costs rise primarily in the Chicago suburbs, while many other Illinois regions remain comparable in affordability to those in Missouri.
Popular Cities For People Moving to Illinois
Popular places for Missourians moving to Illinois include O’Fallon, a St. Louis suburb with excellent schools; Belleville, which offers affordable homes near the city; and Chicago, for those seeking city life, culture, and career growth.
Illinois Income and Job Market vs. Missouri
Illinois has a strong economy in finance, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and professional services. Salaries, especially in Chicago, are often higher than in Missouri. Many people move from Missouri to Illinois for better career opportunities, even if the costs are a bit higher.
Schools in Illinois vs. Missouri
School quality in Illinois varies a lot. Suburban Chicago districts are among the best in the country and often outperform those in Missouri. However, top schools usually come with higher housing costs.
Taxes When Moving From Missouri to Illinois
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, which is slightly higher than Missouri’s. Property taxes in Illinois are among the highest in the country, averaging 2.07%, compared to Missouri’s 0.88%.
Moving from Missouri to Illinois can be more expensive, but it often means access to better job markets, a wider range of cultural options, and top-tier schools.
Moving From Missouri to Texas
Texas continues to attract people from the Midwest. Moving from Missouri to Texas is popular for those seeking warm weather, increased job opportunities, and a state with no income tax.
Cost of Living: Missouri vs. Texas
Texas has a cost-of-living index of 92.1, compared to Missouri’s 89.0, indicating that Texas is approximately 3.5% more expensive overall. Housing costs vary dramatically by metro area. Some suburbs remain affordable, while Austin and parts of Dallas have experienced notable price growth.
Popular Cities For People Moving to Texas
Popular cities for Missourians moving to Texas include Dallas–Fort Worth, a major business and tech hub; Austin, renowned for its vibrant culture and expanding tech sector; and San Antonio, which offers affordable living, rich history, and diverse job opportunities.
Texas Income and Job Market vs. Missouri
Texas has one of the strongest economies in the country, with top industries in energy, technology, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare. Salaries in cities like Austin and Dallas can be much higher than in most Missouri areas, giving families and professionals more chances for growth.
Schools in Texas vs. Missouri
School quality in Texas varies a lot. Many suburbs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston have top-rated schools that compare favorably with those in Missouri. Families moving to Texas often find good school choices, but it’s essential to research each district thoroughly.
Taxes When Moving From Missouri to Texas
Texas has no state income tax, which is a big financial plus. However, property taxes average 1.74%, higher than Missouri’s 0.88%.
Overall, moving from Missouri to Texas can bring new job opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and tax savings, depending on where you settle.
Moving From Missouri to Arkansas
For Missourians seeking a quieter life, natural beauty, and affordable housing, relocating to Arkansas is a popular choice. In particular, people often move from southern Missouri to Arkansas. Arkansas offers beautiful scenery, a slower pace, and lower costs. Arkansas is a neighboring state for those with family still in Missouri.
Cost of Living: Missouri vs. Arkansas
Arkansas has a cost-of-living index of 89.6, compared to Missouri’s 89.0, making Arkansas only 0.7% more expensive overall. In practice, affordability is similar across many categories, with housing often being cheaper in Arkansas, depending on the county.
Popular Cities For People Moving to Arkansas
Popular cities for Missourians moving to Arkansas include Fayetteville, in the fast-growing Northwest Arkansas area. Rogers, Arkansas, is known for its affordable homes and great suburban amenities. Little Rock, the capital, offers numerous job opportunities.
Arkansas Income and Job Market vs. Missouri
Arkansas’s economy is based on retail (with Walmart’s headquarters), transportation, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture. Salaries are slightly lower than in Missouri, but lower costs, especially for housing, can offset this difference.
Northwest Arkansas, home to companies such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, boasts some of the fastest-growing wages in the region.
Schools in Arkansas vs. Missouri
School quality in Arkansas varies. Districts in Northwest Arkansas, such as Bentonville and Fayetteville, are highly rated and often outperform many in Missouri. Other areas may be similar to or a bit below Missouri’s averages.
Taxes When Moving From Missouri to Arkansas
Arkansas has a graduated income tax rate ranging from 2% to 4.7%, similar to Missouri’s rate of 2% to 4.95%. Property taxes in Arkansas average 0.64%, which is lower than Missouri’s 0.88%.
For many Missourians, moving to Arkansas means lower costs, more time outdoors, a familiar culture, and life in a state that isn’t too far from home.
Moving From Missouri to Florida
For many Missourians, moving to Florida means enjoying sunshine, beaches, warm weather, and no state income tax. Retirees, remote workers, and young professionals all see Florida as a great place to live.
Cost of Living: Missouri vs. Florida
Florida’s cost of living index is 102.2, while Missouri’s is 89.0, so Florida is 14.8% more expensive. Housing and insurance, in particular, are much more expensive. Still, tax savings may help offset the higher costs.
Popular Cities For People Moving to Florida
Tampa–St. Petersburg, which offers coastal living and job opportunities, is a popular destination for people moving from Missouri to Florida. Orlando is a central hub with growing industries. Jacksonville is known for being more affordable and close to both beaches and city life.
Florida Income and Job Market vs. Missouri
Florida’s economy is strong in tourism, healthcare, aviation, logistics, and technology. Salaries vary by region but are typically similar to or slightly higher than those in Missouri. Many remote workers moving from Missouri to Florida choose the state for its lifestyle and tax benefits.
Schools in Florida vs. Missouri
School quality in Florida is mixed, much like in Missouri. Some suburbs in Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville have top-rated schools, while other areas have more average schools. Families should research each district instead of relying solely on state averages.
Taxes When Moving From Missouri to Florida
Florida has no state income tax, which attracts many people. Property taxes average about 0.89%, close to Missouri’s 0.88%, but insurance costs are much higher.
Overall, moving from Missouri to Florida offers warmer weather, tax benefits, and a better quality of life, but with much higher living expenses.
Guide to Long-Distance Moving From Missouri to Another State
Research Before Interstate Moving from Missouri
Before you decide on a long-distance move from Missouri, compare taxes, job markets, insurance costs, school districts, and housing prices. Differences in cost of living, insurance, property taxes, and weather between states can significantly impact your finances for years.
Looking into neighborhoods, commute times, and job growth can help you feel confident about your next home.
Choosing Missouri Long Distance Movers
When planning your Missouri interstate move, start early. Contact Missouri moving companies at least a month ahead, or two to three months if you’re moving in the summer.
Choose interstate moving companies in Missouri that are licensed for long-distance moving. You can verify licensing at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move
Most reputable Missouri long-distance moving companies are affiliated with a national van line. Missouri long-distance movers that are van line agents offer better reliability and coverage.
Make sure your Missouri interstate moving quote is based on a visual survey and a detailed inventory. This is important because Missouri interstate moving costs depend on the weight of your shipment and how far you’re moving.
Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can help you find the best Missouri moving companies with reliable and professional service.
After Interstate Moving From Missouri to a New State
Once you’ve relocated:
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- Notify USPS and update your address with banks and insurance providers.
- Transfer school, medical, and employment records.
- Set up utilities and local services.
Staying organized will help you settle into your new home more easily.
Guardian Relocation: Best Long Distance Moving Companies in Missouri
As an Atlas® agent in St. Louis, Missouri Guardian Relocation helps people and families move from Missouri to any state. Contact the best movers in Missouri to head to Florida’s beaches, Texas’s big cities, Kansas’s suburbs, or Arkansas’s scenic towns.
Our experienced Missouri movers make sure your interstate move is handled with care, clear communication, and honesty from start to finish.
Learn more about our Missouri long-distance movers or get a quote today.