Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MO-KS

How far does a $70,000 salary go in St. Joseph? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — MO-KS levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,077/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the St. Joseph metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $49,835, or roughly $4,153 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The St. Joseph metro has a cost of living index of 59.4 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 41% below the national average, St. Joseph is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in St. Joseph represents approximately 18% of gross income. That is well within the 30% rule of thumb that financial advisors typically recommend, leaving significant room for savings and discretionary spending. MO-KS's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.