Springfield, MO vs St. Joseph, MO

Springfield, MO and St. Joseph, MO have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Springfield scores 73 while St. Joseph scores 69 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Springfield is $920/month compared to $884/month in St. Joseph — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: St. Joseph is more affordable at $144,200 median vs $165,200.

Median household income in Springfield is $45,984 compared to $55,578 in St. Joseph (-17.3%). St. Joseph offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Springfield spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in St. Joseph.