Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Springfield is 18% more expensive than Independence.

$1,114/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 5%
$51,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 16%
$222,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 25%
$1,276/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 18%
154,751
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $8,141/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Independence — common questions

Is Springfield or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Independence?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Independence?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $8,141/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Missouri?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Independence details →

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