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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Springfield is 76% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$920/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 191%
$45,984/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 203%
$165,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 600%
$908/mo ↓ 68%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 208%
169,432
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,758/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $21,096/year.

Median household income is $93,342/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Springfield or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,758/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $93,342/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Carlsbad

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin