Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Springfield is 76% cheaper than Berkeley.

$920/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 131%
$45,984/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 136%
$165,200 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 718%
$908/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 158%
169,432
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,207/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $14,484/year.

Median household income is $62,574/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Springfield or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Berkeley?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,207/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Berkeley?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $62,574/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and California?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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