CostIndexUSA

Modesto, CA vs Springfield, MO Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Modesto
104.1
overall index
$2,100/mo rent
More AffordableMO
Springfield
88.6
overall index
$1,275/mo rent

Springfield is moderately cheaper than Modesto — 14.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Modesto, you would need $68,100 in Springfield. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing39.5%
Modesto
108.5
Springfield
65.6
🛒 Groceries10.5%
Modesto
105.2
Springfield
94.2
🚗 Transportation7.2%
Modesto
105.3
Springfield
97.7
🏥 Healthcare7.2%
Modesto
95.3
Springfield
88.4
Utilities43.7%
Modesto
152.3
Springfield
85.8

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Modesto to see what you'd need to earn in Springfield to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Springfield, MO
$68,100
$11,900 less needed in Springfield

Formula: salary × (88.6 ÷ 104.1) = salary × 0.8511. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Modesto, CA

Median Home Price
$457,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,100
Housing Index
108.5
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.1×

Springfield, MO

Median Home Price
$260,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,275
Housing Index
65.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.0×

Modesto has 39.5% lower housing costs compared to Springfield.

Income & Job Market

Modesto, CA

Median Household Income
$82,800
Per Capita Income
$47,200
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
Population
218,464
Top Industries
AgricultureHealthcareManufacturingRetailEducation

Springfield, MO

Median Household Income
$62,900
Per Capita Income
$35,900
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Population
167,882
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingRetailFinance

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Modesto, CA
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% of income left after rent (median)

Springfield, MO
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.