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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

St. Paul is 52% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,248/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 26%
$73,055/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 37%
$280,300 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 41%
$1,390/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 35%
307,762
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $27,071/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Springfield — common questions

Is St. Paul or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Springfield?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Springfield?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $27,071/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Missouri?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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