Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Springfield is 55% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$920/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 56%
$45,984/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 49%
$165,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 271%
$908/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 61%
169,432
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $22,394/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Springfield or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $22,394/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and East Los Angeles

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