Rolla, MO vs Wildwood, MO

The cost of living difference between Rolla, MO and Wildwood, MO is dramatic. Rolla is 41.1% cheaper than Wildwood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Rolla has a cost index of 71 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 Rolla is $790/month compared to $1,575/month in Wildwood — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rolla is more affordable at $177,400 median vs $472,800.

Median household income in Rolla is $42,518 compared to $157,750 in Wildwood (-73%). 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 Rolla spend roughly 22.3% of their income on rent, more than the 12% in Wildwood.