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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Milwaukee is 12% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,033/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 11%
$51,888/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 11%
$172,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 4%
$1,082/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 16%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $5,904/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Springfield — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Springfield?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,904/year higher in Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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