Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Springfield is 20% cheaper than Columbia.

$920/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 16%
$45,984/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 40%
$165,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 62%
$908/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 23%
169,432
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $18,504/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Columbia — common questions

Is Springfield or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Columbia?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Columbia?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $18,504/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Missouri?
Both cities are in Missouri and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Columbia details →