Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Athens, GA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Springfield is 28% cheaper than Athens.

$920/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 26%
$45,984/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↑ 12%
$165,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 65%
$908/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 28%
169,432
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $5,671/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Athens — common questions

Is Springfield or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Athens?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Athens?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $5,671/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Georgia?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley