Springfield, MO vs St. Louis, MO

Springfield is moderately more affordable than St. Louis, with a 7% lower cost of living index. Springfield scores 73 compared to 78 for St. Louis, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of St. Louis can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Springfield is $920/month compared to $978/month in St. Louis — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $165,200 median vs $185,100.

Median household income in Springfield is $45,984 compared to $55,279 in St. Louis (-16.8%). While St. Louis is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Springfield spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in St. Louis.