You won’t find many places in the nation that are cheaper to live in than Missouri is. That, according to a new study. Every month, chambers of commerce in 45 to 48 states do price surveys of grocery items, housing, transportation, health care, utilities and miscellaneous goods and services. Each quarter, a formula determines ranks the states in a cost of living index. This time we’re seventh cheapest. The Economic Development Department’s Jim Grebing says our consistent low ranking is a reflection of our quality of life. Missouri has been among the ten least expensive states in the country for atleast three years. If you want to live someplace with a lower cost of living, try Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Dakota, Alabama, and – cheapest of all this quarter – Oklahoma. Where not to live: New England States, Alaska, D.C., and California – if the cost of living is how you make your decision.
