Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Springfield, MA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri

Springfield

Massachusetts

St. Louis is 13% cheaper than Springfield.

$978/mo ↓ 12%

Median Rent

$1,114/mo ↑ 14%

$55,279/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$51,339/yr ↓ 7%

$185,100 ↓ 17%

Home Value

$222,700 ↑ 20%

$1,013/mo ↓ 21%

Owner Costs

$1,276/mo ↑ 26%

293,109

Population

154,751

Tax Comparison

4.95%

Income Tax

9.0%

4.225%

Sales Tax

6.25%

0.93%

Property Tax

1.15%

Affordability

21.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $3,940/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Springfield — common questions

Is St. Louis or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 79 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Springfield?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $136/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Springfield?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $3,940/year higher in St. Louis.

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 St. Louis or Springfield?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.