Joplin, MO vs Raytown, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joplin is 15.5% cheaper than Raytown. With a cost index of 70 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joplin to Raytown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joplin is $889/month compared to $1,213/month in Raytown — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joplin is more affordable at $159,700 median vs $162,000.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $67,227 in Raytown (-23.9%). While Raytown 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, less than the 21.7% in Raytown.