Quick answer
Missouri has lower average 1BR rent ($1,100/mo vs $1,495/mo). State income tax: Missouri (5.4%) vs Oregon (Up to 9.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $5,400/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Missouri vs Oregon
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Missouri vs Oregon at a Glance
| Metric | Missouri | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,100 ✓ | $1,495 |
| Avg median home price | $235K ✓ | $472K |
| Cheapest city | Kansas City ($1,100) ✓ | Eugene ($1,400) |
| Priciest city | St. Louis ($1,100) | Portland ($1,590) |
| State income tax | 5.4% ✓ | Up to 9.9% |
| Avg walkability | 44/100 | 57/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 2 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Missouri (5.4%).
Salary $80K
$3,600
/year saved in Missouri
Salary $120K
$5,400
/year saved in Missouri
Salary $200K
$9,000
/year saved in Missouri
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Missouri (MO)
Tax reality
Missouri has a progressive state income tax up to 4.95%. Property tax is low-moderate (~0.9% effective). Sales tax 4.225% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summers are humid-subtropical — 90°F + 75% humidity from June through mid-September, plus severe thunderstorm season in spring.
- ✕Tornado risk is real. Missouri is in tornado alley and both Kansas City and St. Louis metros have had damaging tornadoes. Joplin (2011) was devastating.
- ✕St. Louis has real public safety concerns in specific city neighborhoods. North St. Louis has high violent crime; Central West End, The Hill, Soulard, and Tower Grove are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
Oregon (OR)
Tax reality
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕State income tax at 9.9% (top bracket, kicking in at ~$125K) is among the highest in the US. High earners considering Oregon should compare against Washington's 0% and factor $10,000+/year state tax hit.
- ✕Portland has real livability concerns downtown that haven't fully resolved. Outside central downtown, residential neighborhoods are fine, but the downtown office/retail core is struggling.
- ✕PNW cloud cover runs October-April just like Seattle — 150+ cloudy days per year. Seasonal affective disorder is real for transplants from sunny climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri or Oregon cheaper to live in?
Missouri has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,100/mo vs $1,495/mo in Oregon, a $395/mo difference. Home prices: Missouri median is $235K vs $472K.
Missouri vs Oregon: which has lower state income tax?
Missouri has lower state income tax (5.4%) vs Up to 9.9% in Oregon. On an $80K salary that's $3,600/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $9,000/year.
Should I move from Missouri to Oregon?
Missouri has a progressive state income tax up to 4.95%. Property tax is low-moderate (~0.9% effective). Sales tax 4.225% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax.
What are the best cities in Missouri vs Oregon?
Missouri's largest metros include Kansas City, St. Louis. Oregon's largest metros include Portland, Eugene. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Missouri suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.