Joplin, MO vs St. Peters, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joplin is 25% cheaper than St. Peters. With a cost index of 70 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joplin to St. Peters should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joplin is $889/month compared to $1,291/month in St. Peters — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joplin is more affordable at $159,700 median vs $252,800.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $89,827 in St. Peters (-43.1%). While St. Peters 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 17.2% in St. Peters.