Closing costs in Missouri
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Missouri — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Missouri's actual rates.
- Transfer tax
- none
- customarily negotiable-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$18
- charged per page of the document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$4.00 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
Missouri in the national transfer-tax dataset
0%, #37 of 51 nationally; at $400,000, that is $640 below the median $640 tax at $400,000. The comparison uses the 51 source-verified state and DC records in the TallyClose dataset; null transfer-tax states count as 0% rather than being filled with an estimate.
- National rank
- #37 of 51
- highest state transfer-tax rate first
- Median-state tax at $400,000
- $640
- Missouri: $0
- County coverage
- 2
- 0 with a city-tax field
Missouri transfer-tax data: official source linked on this page, reviewed 2026-Q2.
How closing costs work in Missouri
The biggest closing-cost variable in Missouri is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is none and is customarily negotiable-paid. Missouri has no real-estate transfer tax. The Missouri Constitution Art. X § 25 (adopted 2010) prohibits the General Assembly from enacting any new real-property transfer tax. Recording fee: approximately $18 ($5 base + $3 per page + surcharges, per RSMo § 59.310).
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $0 — there is no state transfer tax here, before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are charged per page of the document and run around $18 for the deed.
For title insurance, Missouri title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Missouri does not require an attorney at closing — a title or escrow company typically handles settlement, though you can hire an attorney if you want one. Lenders here typically charge $1,400–$3,200 in origination and processing fees, and 2 months of property-tax escrow is commonly collected at closing.
Statute: No transfer-tax statute; Mo. Const. Art. X § 25 (2010, bars new transfer taxes); RSMo § 59.310 (recording fee). Official source ↗
Missouri closing cost calculator
Pre-set to Missouri. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
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Counties in Missouri
County and city taxes can change the total significantly. Open a county for its precise rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Missouri?
In Missouri, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (none, customarily negotiable-paid), county recording fees (charged per page of the document, around $18), and title insurance. Missouri does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Missouri?
Missouri's real-estate transfer tax is none and is customarily negotiable-paid. Missouri has no real-estate transfer tax. The Missouri Constitution Art. X § 25 (adopted 2010) prohibits the General Assembly from enacting any new real-property transfer tax. Recording fee: approximately $18 ($5 base + $3 per page + surcharges, per RSMo § 59.310).
Who pays closing costs in Missouri?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Missouri is customarily negotiable-paid. Buyers generally cover lender fees, the appraisal, lender's title insurance and prepaids; sellers generally cover the agent commission and, in most states, the bulk of the transfer tax. Everything is negotiable in the contract.
Do I need an attorney to close in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company typically handles settlement. You may still choose to hire one.
Closest transfer-tax comparisons
Algorithmic neighbors by verified transfer-tax rate, not a static related-links block.
Know when closing-cost rates change
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