Joplin, MO vs Webster Groves, MO

The cost of living difference between Joplin, MO and Webster Groves, MO is dramatic. Joplin is 38.2% cheaper than Webster Groves, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Joplin has a cost index of 70 while Webster Groves sits at 113, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Joplin is $889/month compared to $1,628/month in Webster Groves — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joplin is more affordable at $159,700 median vs $371,400.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $110,716 in Webster Groves (-53.8%). While Webster Groves 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 17.6% in Webster Groves.