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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Worcester is 73% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,415/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 35%
$67,544/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 32%
$339,500 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 51%
$1,521/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 40%
205,501
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $21,560/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Springfield — common questions

Is Worcester or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Springfield?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Springfield?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $21,560/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Missouri?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Springfield details →

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