A new study shows the cost of doing business in Missouri is about 13 percent below the national average. The study was put together by the Milken Institute, an economic think-tank that calculates its index based on wage costs, tax burden, electricity costs, and industrial and office rent costs. Paul Sloca with the State Department of Economic Development says the good news makes Missouri attractive to businesses. Among 50 states and the District of Columbia, Missouri ranks 36th with a cost of business index of 86.8. An index of 100 means the state is equal to the national average while a lower ranking indicates a state is less expensive for businesses.