Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Irvine is 327% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,893/mo ↑ 214%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 68%
$129,647/yr ↑ 182%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 65%
$1,115,400 ↑ 575%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 85%
$2,904/mo ↑ 220%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 69%
308,160
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,973/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $23,676/year.

Median household income is $83,663/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Springfield — common questions

Is Irvine or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Springfield?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $1,973/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Springfield?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $83,663/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Springfield

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward