Median rent is 51% lower in Springfield ($920/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Springfield, where the median home runs $165,200 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $45,984 a year). Taken together, Springfield is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.0 against 113.3 — about 21% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Springfield is 21% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Springfield vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Springfield, MO
How much would you need to earn in Springfield, MO to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Springfield, MO
$59,578
You could earn $15,422 less (21% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Springfield
Missouri
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Springfield — median rent of $920/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 51% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $165,200 in Springfield — 81% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.80% in Missouri, so Springfield is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.22% in Missouri; Springfield has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Springfield
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Springfield has cleaner air on average: 7.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Springfield if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.0 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize cheaper rent ($920/mo median).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 7.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Springfield?
Springfield is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 21% lower in Springfield.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Springfield?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $920/mo in Springfield, MO. Springfield, MO has the lower rent by about 51%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Springfield?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $45,984 in Springfield, MO. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Springfield, MO has better air quality on average: 7.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Springfield?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Missouri's is 4.80%. Springfield, MO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Springfield to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $79,437 in Springfield, MO (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology