Benton, MO vs Westwood, MO

The cost of living difference between Benton, MO and Westwood, MO is dramatic. Benton is 64.5% cheaper than Westwood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Benton has a cost index of 76 while Westwood sits at 215, 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 Benton is $771/month compared to $3,250/month in Westwood — a 76% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Benton is more affordable at $256,900 median vs $1,015,600.

Median household income in Benton is $82,679 compared to $231,667 in Westwood (-64.3%). The higher salaries in Westwood partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Benton spend roughly 11.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.8% in Westwood.