Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

MERIC is the research division for the Missouri Department of Economic Development. We provide innovative analyses and assistance to policymakers and the public, including studies of the state’s economic trends, targeted industries, and labor markets. MERIC research also includes workforce region studies, spatial analyses, and comprehensive coverage of the state’s industry and occupational data produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor. MERIC has been recognized with 14 national awards for research excellence since it was formed in 2001.

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    • U.S. Cost of living Index
      April 2024
      Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center
      Uploaded by: Knoema
      Accessed On: 10 April, 2024
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      Missouri had the 5th lowest cost of living in the United States for 2020. In general, the most expensive areas to live were Hawaii, Alaska, the Northeast, and the West Coast. The least expensive areas were the Midwest and Southern states. For the past 16 quarters, Missouri has been in the top 10 for lowest cost of living in the nation. MERIC derives the cost of living index for each state by averaging the indices of participating cities and metropolitan areas in that state. Missouri’s cost of living index for 2020 was 89.1. Cities across the nation participate in the Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) survey on a volunteer basis. Price information in the survey is governed by C2ER collection guidelines which strive for uniformity.