Gladstone, MO vs Union, MO

Union is moderately more affordable than Gladstone, with a 11.2% lower cost of living index. Gladstone scores 84 compared to 75 for Union, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Gladstone can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Gladstone is $1,095/month compared to $847/month in Union — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union is more affordable at $199,100 median vs $217,900.

Median household income in Gladstone is $72,134 compared to $71,760 in Union (+0.5%). Gladstone does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Gladstone spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, more than the 14.2% in Union.