Malden, MO vs Smithville, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Malden is 28.4% cheaper than Smithville. With a cost index of 61 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Malden to Smithville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Malden is $702/month compared to $977/month in Smithville — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malden is more affordable at $88,900 median vs $272,500.

Median household income in Malden is $38,786 compared to $99,925 in Smithville (-61.2%). While Smithville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Malden spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Smithville.