Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Chicago is 67% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,380/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 33%
$75,134/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 39%
$315,200 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 48%
$1,502/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 40%
2,707,648
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $29,150/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Springfield — common questions

Is Chicago or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Springfield?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Springfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $29,150/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Missouri?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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