Union, MO vs University City, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Union is 20.8% cheaper than University City. With a cost index of 75 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Union to University City should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Union is $847/month compared to $1,265/month in University City — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union is more affordable at $199,100 median vs $285,100.

Median household income in Union is $71,760 compared to $76,466 in University City (-6.2%). University City 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 Union spend roughly 14.2% of their income on rent, less than the 19.9% in University City.