Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MO
Population 71,542 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of St. Joseph's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $55,578 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, St. Joseph is about 45 miles north of Kansas City, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Kansas City's $147,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in St. Joseph
The median home value in St. Joseph is $144,200 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $884/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,578/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, St. Joseph has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Joseph, MO?
St. Joseph has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in St. Joseph, MO?
The median gross rent in St. Joseph is $884 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $144,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Joseph?
The median household income in St. Joseph is $55,578 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Joseph, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Joseph is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is St. Joseph, MO affordable?
Yes, St. Joseph is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
St. Joseph at a Glance
- Population
- 71,542
- Median Income
- $55,578
- Home Value
- $144,200
- Median Rent
- $884/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs