Cost of Living: St. Louis vs Springfield (2026)
St. Louis has a 11% lower overall cost of living than Springfield as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,300/mo in St. Louis vs $1,450/mo in Springfield — a 10% difference.
- St. Louis is 11% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 98)
- 1BR rent: $1,300/mo in St. Louis vs $1,450/mo — 10% savings
- Higher median household income: St. Louis ($54,000/yr vs $47,000/yr)
- Median home price: $230,000 in St. Louis vs $260,000 — 12% difference
| Category | St. Louis Missouri | Springfield Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,150 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $1,450 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $1,900 |
| Median home price | $230KBest | $260K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 103 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $52Best | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $75 | $72Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $160Best | $162 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $162Best | $185 |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $54KBest | $47K |
| State income tax% | 4.7%Best | 5.0% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.6% | 6.3%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $40 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 98 |
| Walk score / 100 | 61Best | 60 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Springfield?
Yes. St. Louis is 11% cheaper than Springfield based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 98, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in St. Louis vs Springfield?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in St. Louis is $1,300/month and in Springfield is $1,450/month. St. Louis is cheaper by 10%.
How much do I need to earn in Springfield to match a $75,000 salary in St. Louis?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $84,483/year in Springfield to match a $75,000 salary in St. Louis. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — St. Louis or Springfield?
St. Louis has the lower state income tax rate at 4.7% vs 5%. The difference is 0.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from St. Louis to Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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