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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Columbus is 38% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,224/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 25%
$65,327/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 30%
$234,500 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 30%
$1,243/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 27%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $19,343/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Springfield — common questions

Is Columbus or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Springfield?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Springfield?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $19,343/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Springfield details →

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