Joplin, MO vs Ozark, MO

Joplin is moderately more affordable than Ozark, with a 13.2% lower cost of living index. Joplin scores 70 compared to 81 for Ozark, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ozark can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Joplin is $889/month compared to $1,003/month in Ozark — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joplin is more affordable at $159,700 median vs $230,600.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $69,372 in Ozark (-26.3%). While Ozark is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Joplin spend roughly 20.9% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in Ozark.