Ballwin, MO vs Poplar Bluff, MO

The cost of living difference between Ballwin, MO and Poplar Bluff, MO is dramatic. Poplar Bluff is 62.8% cheaper than Ballwin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ballwin has a cost index of 104 while Poplar Bluff sits at 64, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ballwin is $1,386/month compared to $760/month in Poplar Bluff — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Poplar Bluff is more affordable at $109,700 median vs $353,400.

Median household income in Ballwin is $121,170 compared to $42,035 in Poplar Bluff (+188.3%). While Ballwin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ballwin spend roughly 13.7% of their income on rent, less than the 21.7% in Poplar Bluff.