Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana

Springfield

Missouri

Indianapolis is 14% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,112/mo ↑ 21%

Median Rent

$920/mo ↓ 17%

$62,995/yr ↑ 37%

Median Income

$45,984/yr ↓ 27%

$207,000 ↑ 25%

Home Value

$165,200 ↓ 20%

$1,124/mo ↑ 24%

Owner Costs

$908/mo ↓ 19%

882,043

Population

169,432

Tax Comparison

3.05%

Income Tax

4.95%

7.0%

Sales Tax

4.225%

0.83%

Property Tax

0.93%

Affordability

21.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $17,011/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Springfield — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 74 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Springfield?

Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $192/month.

Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Springfield?

Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $17,011/year higher in Indianapolis.

How do taxes compare between Indiana and Missouri?

Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Indianapolis or Springfield?

It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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.