Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Madison is 72% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,364/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 33%
$76,983/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 40%
$346,900 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 52%
$1,476/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 38%
275,568
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $30,999/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Springfield — common questions

Is Madison or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Springfield?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $30,999/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Missouri?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Springfield details →

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