La Plata, MO vs St. James, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. La Plata is 24.9% cheaper than St. James. With a cost index of 50 vs 66, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from La Plata to St. James should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in La Plata is $326/month compared to $814/month in St. James — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Plata is more affordable at $96,300 median vs $117,200.

Median household income in La Plata is $49,107 compared to $50,644 in St. James (-3%). St. James does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of La Plata spend roughly 8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.3% in St. James.