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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Springfield is 64% cheaper than Fairfield.

$920/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 138%
$45,984/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 123%
$165,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 259%
$908/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 145%
169,432
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,271/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $15,252/year.

Median household income is $56,337/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Springfield or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Fairfield?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,271/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Fairfield?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $56,337/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Fairfield details →

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