Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Cleveland is 15% cheaper than Springfield.

$894/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↑ 3%
$39,187/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↑ 17%
$94,100 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$165,200 ↑ 76%
$866/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↑ 5%
367,523
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,797/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Springfield — common questions

Is Cleveland or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 60 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Springfield?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Springfield?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $6,797/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Missouri?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Springfield details →

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