Shell Knob, MO vs Union Star, MO

The cost of living difference between Shell Knob, MO and Union Star, MO is dramatic. Union Star is 33.5% cheaper than Shell Knob, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Shell Knob has a cost index of 88 while Union Star sits at 66, 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 Shell Knob is $1,010/month compared to $925/month in Union Star — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union Star is more affordable at $84,500 median vs $304,700.

Median household income in Shell Knob is $51,852 compared to $57,907 in Union Star (-10.5%). Union Star offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Shell Knob spend roughly 23.4% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in Union Star.