Center, MO vs La Plata, MO

Center, MO and La Plata, MO have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.8% difference in their overall index. Center scores 49 while La Plata scores 50 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Center is $350/month compared to $326/month in La Plata — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while La Plata has cheaper rent, Center actually has lower median home values ($82,600 vs $96,300).

Median household income in Center is $62,750 compared to $49,107 in La Plata (+27.8%). Center offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Center spend roughly 6.7% of their income on rent, less than the 8% in La Plata.