City Comparison
Jefferson City vs Springfield
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Jefferson City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Jefferson City
Springfield
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Jefferson City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Springfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Jefferson City's average rent is
15% lower than Springfield's.
| Metric | Jefferson City | Springfield | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,121 | -15% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $165 | $180 | -8% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,825 | $2,071 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Springfield offers 2% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Jefferson City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Jefferson City is estimated at
$45,000 vs $67,000 in Springfield.
| Metric | Jefferson City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $67,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 61,111 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $49,311 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Jefferson City runs warmer on average — a 57.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Jefferson City comes out ahead with 271 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Jefferson City sees 13.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Jefferson City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 23.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 271 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Springfield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Springfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Jefferson City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Springfield is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Jefferson City.
From a growth perspective, Jefferson City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Jefferson City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Jefferson City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,222 | 170,117 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.16% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 33.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.60% |
| GDP | — | $29.3B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Jefferson City
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Exceptionally short average commute times compared to major metropolitan areas.
Strong job stability anchored by state government administration and major regional healthcare networks.
Abundant access to outdoor recreation, including proximity to the Katy Trail and local parks.
Low crime rates and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods across Cole County.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation infrastructure creates a high reliance on personal vehicles.
Nightlife and entertainment options are more subdued compared to nearby St. Louis or Kansas City.
Limited presence of major high-tech or corporate headquarter sectors outside of government work.
Humid continental summer climate brings extended periods of high heat and humidity.
Retail and dining variety can feel restricted for residents accustomed to larger urban markets.
Springfield
Advantages
The cost of living in Springfield is 8-12% below the national average, with significant savings in housing, utilities, and groceries.
Housing is highly affordable, with a median home value of $208,223 in 2026, making homeownership more accessible.
The average commute time is short, at just 16 minutes, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Springfield has a diversified and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare and manufacturing.
The city is a regional healthcare hub with highly-rated hospitals like Mercy Hospital Springfield, which received a Leapfrog A rating in 2024 and 2025.
Drawbacks
Healthcare costs in Springfield are reported to be 6-11.5% above the national average.
The median household income of $49,311 (2024) is lower than the national median.
Springfield received a low safety score of 26 out of 100 in Livability's 2026 ranking.
The city experiences varied and sometimes extreme weather, including muggy summers and cold, snowy winters.
While a regional hub, the city's population diversity is lower compared to many other U.S. cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Jefferson City
#214Missouri, USA
63.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
271/yr
Avg Temp
57.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
75
Business
67
Springfield
#591Missouri, USA
43.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,121
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
50.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.16%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
78
Business
68
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