Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Boston is 193% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,093/mo ↑ 127%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 56%
$94,755/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 51%
$710,400 ↑ 330%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 77%
$2,176/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 58%
663,972
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,173/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $14,076/year.

Median household income is $48,771/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Springfield — common questions

Is Boston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Springfield?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $1,173/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Springfield?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $48,771/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Missouri?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Springfield details →

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