Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Rochester and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,039/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 11%
$46,628/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 1%
$120,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$165,200 ↑ 37%
$1,009/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 10%
209,720
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $644/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Springfield — common questions

Is Rochester or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Springfield?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Springfield?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $644/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New York and Missouri?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Springfield details →

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