Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Seattle is 227% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,998/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 54%
$121,984/yr ↑ 165%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 62%
$912,100 ↑ 452%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 82%
$2,220/mo ↑ 144%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 59%
741,440
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,078/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $12,936/year.

Median household income is $76,000/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Springfield — common questions

Is Seattle or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Springfield?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $1,078/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Springfield?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $76,000/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Springfield

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