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

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Independence is 10% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,061/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 11%
$59,480/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 10%
$166,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 7%
$1,046/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 7%
121,944
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $6,057/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs Springfield — common questions

Is Independence or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and Springfield?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or Springfield?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $6,057/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Independence or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Independence details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Independence and Springfield

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