Joplin, MO vs St. Joseph, MO

Joplin, MO and St. Joseph, MO have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.8% difference in their overall index. Joplin scores 70 while St. Joseph scores 69 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 Joplin is $889/month compared to $884/month in St. Joseph — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: St. Joseph is more affordable at $144,200 median vs $159,700.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $55,578 in St. Joseph (-8%). St. Joseph offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Joplin spend roughly 20.9% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in St. Joseph.