Cost of Living in Springfield, MO
Is it worth moving here?
How far does a $70,000 salary go in Springfield? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $9,721 per year — combining federal taxes with Missouri's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,095/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Springfield metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $47,139, or roughly $3,928 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.
The Springfield metro has a cost of living index of 68.1 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 32% below the national average, Springfield is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.
At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Springfield represents approximately 19% of gross income. That is well within the 30% rule of thumb that financial advisors typically recommend, leaving significant room for savings and discretionary spending.
Annual Breakdown
Cost of Living Index
Living in Springfield, MO is roughly 32% less expensive than the national average.
Monthly Take-Home
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Affordability Score
K-12 Schools
See Details →Colleges & Universities
See Details →| Institution | Enrollment | In-State Tuition | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox College | 795 | $11,587 | 100.0% |
| Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri | 335 | $0 | 72.0% |
| Drury University | 1,596 | $33,900 | 66.0% |
| WellSpring School of Allied Health-Springfield | 79 | $0 | 66.0% |
| Evangel University | 2,157 | $25,922 | 65.0% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Springfield | 263 | $0 | 64.0% |
| Evangel University-James River Assembly of God Church | 98 | $16,238 | 63.0% |
| Academy of Hair Design-Springfield | 267 | $0 | 60.0% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | 23,418 | $7,812 | 57.0% |
| Southwest Baptist University | 2,155 | $27,290 | 51.0% |
| Mission University | 377 | $15,130 | 38.0% |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | 11,036 | $4,512 | 32.0% |
| Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies | 716 | $7,800 | 32.0% |
| Bryan University | 159 | $14,580 | 28.0% |
| Evangel University-College of Online Learning | 241 | $7,560 | — |
| Bolivar Technical College | 144 | $22,030 | — |