Joplin, MO vs Wildwood, MO

The cost of living difference between Joplin, MO and Wildwood, MO is dramatic. Joplin is 41.7% cheaper than Wildwood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Joplin has a cost index of 70 while Wildwood sits at 120, 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 $1,575/month in Wildwood — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joplin is more affordable at $159,700 median vs $472,800.

Median household income in Joplin is $51,154 compared to $157,750 in Wildwood (-67.6%). While Wildwood 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 12% in Wildwood.