Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Detroit is 12% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,034/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 11%
$39,575/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↑ 16%
$76,800 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$165,200 ↑ 115%
$868/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↑ 5%
636,644
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $6,409/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Springfield — common questions

Is Detroit or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 60 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Springfield?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Springfield?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $6,409/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Missouri?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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