Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Springfield is 50% cheaper than Lowell.

$920/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 74%
$45,984/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 66%
$165,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 139%
$908/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 84%
169,432
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $30,221/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Lowell — common questions

Is Springfield or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Lowell?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Lowell?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $30,221/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Massachusetts?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Lowell details →

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