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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

St. Louis is 10% more expensive than Springfield.

$978/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 6%
$55,279/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 17%
$185,100 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 11%
$1,013/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 10%
293,109
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $9,295/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Springfield — common questions

Is St. Louis or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 66 (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 $920/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Springfield?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,295/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Missouri?
Both cities are in Missouri and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Springfield

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