Des Moines, IA vs St. Joseph, MO: Cost of Living Comparison
St. Joseph has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | St. Joseph | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 66 | St. Joseph |
| Housing | 53 ($738) | 41 ($619) | St. Joseph |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | St. Joseph |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 74 ($303) | St. Joseph |
| Utilities | 77 ($95) | 71 ($74) | St. Joseph |
| Healthcare | 77 ($69) | 71 ($53) | St. Joseph |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 99 ($47,800) | St. Joseph |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines, IA or St. Joseph, MO cheaper to live in?
St. Joseph, MO is cheaper overall by about 9 index points (Des Moines, IA: 75, St. Joseph, MO: 66; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA vs St. Joseph, MO?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA and $23,100/year in St. Joseph, MO to cover basic living costs.