Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Baltimore is 40% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,290/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 29%
$59,623/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 23%
$219,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 25%
$1,333/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 32%
577,193
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $13,639/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Springfield — common questions

Is Baltimore or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Springfield?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Springfield?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $13,639/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Missouri?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Springfield details →

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