Ballwin, MO vs Smithville, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Smithville is 23.2% cheaper than Ballwin. With a cost index of 85 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Smithville to Ballwin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ballwin is $1,386/month compared to $977/month in Smithville — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithville is more affordable at $272,500 median vs $353,400.

Median household income in Ballwin is $121,170 compared to $99,925 in Smithville (+21.3%). The higher salaries in Ballwin partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Ballwin spend roughly 13.7% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Smithville.