Smithville, MO vs St. James, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. St. James is 27.6% cheaper than Smithville. With a cost index of 66 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from St. James to Smithville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Smithville is $977/month compared to $814/month in St. James — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: St. James is more affordable at $117,200 median vs $272,500.

Median household income in Smithville is $99,925 compared to $50,644 in St. James (+97.3%). 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 Smithville spend roughly 11.7% of their income on rent, less than the 19.3% in St. James.