Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Springfield is 43% cheaper than Paterson.

$920/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 58%
$45,984/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 17%
$165,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 103%
$908/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 71%
169,432
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $7,782/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Paterson — common questions

Is Springfield or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Paterson?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Paterson?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $7,782/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and New Jersey?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Paterson

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon