2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Independence, MO vs St. Joseph, MO

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in St. Joseph or is it cheaper to live in Independence?
- St. Joseph is 13.3% less expensive than Independence.

Which city has more affordable housing, St. Joseph or Independence?
- St. Joseph housing costs are 28.7% less expensive than Independence housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Independence or is Health Care more affordable in St. Joseph.
- Health related expenses are 8.4% more in St. Joseph.
 Independence, MOSt. Joseph, MOUnited States
 Overall  Unlock76.6100
 Food & Groceries95.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.9100
 Housing56.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$132,300$338,100
 Utilities105  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.0100
 Miscellaneous92.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Independence    10 Reviews

The ice age sent glaciers sweeping south, ending at what is the edge of the Missouri River. Independence, Missouri, has artesian water straight from this glacial melt  More

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Over 11 years ago

I've lived here pretty much all my life, and I have to say, I'm ready to get out. I'm not sure if the crime here has just skyrocketed over recent years, or if I was just  More

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Over 12 years ago

Independence, Missouri is just like any other fairly large, fairly old town. A city approaching 200 years old and having nearly 120,000 residents is going to have both  More

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Reviews for St. Joseph    6 Reviews

I've lived here all my life and gradually the crime rate has worsened over time. From violence to drugs to theft to property damage. The school district is horrible as  More

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Over 16 years ago

St. Joseph, MO is nestled along the mighty Missouri river on the far western side of the state. It has rolling hills and the river banks are gorgeous in fall and spring.  More

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For years now St. Joseph has given alot of lip service to exploiting its historic and architectural assets to enhance the economy and quality of life here. But we  More

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