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Cost
of Living Data: First Quarter 2015
Missouri had the 11st
lowest cost of living in the United States for the first quarter of 2015.
In general, the most expensive areas to live were New
England, Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast. The least expensive areas were the
Midwest and southern states.
The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center
(MERIC) derives the cost of living index for each state by averaging the
indices of participating cities and metropolitan areas in the state. Missouri’s
cost of living for the first quarter of 2015 index was 91.5, down from the
first quarter of 2014 index of 93.7.
 *Cities across the
nation participate in ACCRA’s survey on a volunteer basis. Price information in
the survey is governed by ACCRA collection guidelines, which strive for
uniformity.
 Missouri’s low cost of living is great news for both the
existing and future business community of the Show-Me State. When goods such as
groceries, housing, utilities, and healthcare are more affordable, individuals
have more disposable cash to spend at local businesses, which in turn
stimulates the economy. Also, a low cost of living is a great draw for those
looking for a new place to live, resulting in a larger, more talented, and more
diverse workforce.
To learn more, please click
here to access the latest cost of living report from MERIC.
For more Missouri economic data, please connect with the
Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) at missourieconomy.org.
If your company would like to
take advantage of Missouri’s low cost of living and is interested in learning
about resources for new and expanding businesses, please visit ded.mo.gov.
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