Joplin, MO vs St. Charles, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joplin is 24.2% cheaper than St. Charles. With a cost index of 70 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joplin to St. Charles should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joplin is $889/month compared to $1,186/month in St. Charles — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joplin is more affordable at $159,700 median vs $280,800.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $85,522 in St. Charles (-40.2%). While St. Charles 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 16.6% in St. Charles.