Is Springfield, MO cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MO is 16.3% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1223 per month.

What salary do I need in Springfield, MO to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $135,318.291 in Springfield, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Springfield, MO?

Housing in Springfield, MO is 32.9% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $913/month in Springfield, MO compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Springfield, MO?

Moving from Madison, WI to Springfield, MO could save you approximately $1223 per month, or $14682 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Springfield, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Springfield, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.3K in Springfield, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Madison, WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 16.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,223

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Springfield, MO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$226K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K residents.

Springfield, MO

The Show-Me State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 170K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Madison, WI vs Springfield, MO

Category	Madison, WI	Springfield, MO	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,755/mo	$1,850/mo	↓ $905less	32.9%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,569/mo	↓ $222less	12.4%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,187/mo	↓ $220less	15.6%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$600/mo	↓ $119less	16.5%
Groceries	$959/mo	$938/mo	↓ $21.29less	2.2%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$529/mo	↑ $20.95more	4.1%

Housing

↓ 32.9%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Springfield, MO

$1,850

Difference

$905

less

Other

↓ 12.4%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Springfield, MO

$1,569

Difference

$222

less

Transportation

↓ 15.6%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Springfield, MO

$1,187

Difference

$220

less

Healthcare

↓ 16.5%

Madison, WI

$719

Springfield, MO

$600

Difference

$119

less

Groceries

↓ 2.2%

Madison, WI

$959

Springfield, MO

$938

Difference

$21.29

less

All Utilities

↑ 4.1%

Madison, WI

$508

Springfield, MO

$529

Difference

$20.95

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$730

↓ $640

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$739

↓ $866

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$913

↓ $922

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,245

↓ $1,180

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/mo

Springfield, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$1,020/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$6,673

Monthly in Springfield, MO

$1,466

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Springfield

$427K

Median Value

$226K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.6%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$132K - $434K

Homes in Springfield are 47% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Springfield

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $921

Per year

Monthly Difference

$76.74

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Springfield, MO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Missouri State Tax

Effective: 5.3%

$7.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$44.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,755/month

$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Springfield, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.