Springfield vs Rogers: Cost of Living Comparison

Side-by-side cost comparison across 38 categories. Updated March 2026.

MO
Springfield
82
Cost Index
Pop: 169KIncome: $37K
VS
6% diff
AR
Rogers
88
Cost Index
Pop: 73KIncome: $56K
More Affordable
Springfield
Springfield Wins
20/38
Rogers Wins
18/38
Net Advantage
Rogers saves ~$2,502/mo

Every year, thousands of Americans weigh Springfield against Rogers. Here's what they should know: Springfield is 6% cheaper overall, but Rogers has its own cost advantages in specific categories. We've broken down the comparison across all 38 cost categories we track โ€” with a verdict for different types of movers at the bottom.

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Overall Cost of Living Comparison

CategorySpringfieldRogersDifference
OverallAATie
HousingA+ATie
FoodAATie
HealthcareAB+Tie
TransportationAB+Tie
UtilitiesA+B+Tie

Rent, Food, and Utility Differences

๐Ÿ 

Housing

72
Springfield
Springfield saves 26%
91
Rogers

Housing costs are primarily driven by local real estate markets and land values.

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Food & Groceries

81
Springfield
Springfield saves 22%
99
Rogers

Food & Groceries costs are primarily driven by local supply chains and regional agriculture.

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Healthcare

87
Springfield
Springfield saves 3%
90
Rogers

Healthcare costs are primarily driven by local provider networks and state regulations.

๐Ÿš—

Transportation

90
Springfield
Rogers saves 6%
85
Rogers

Transportation costs are primarily driven by local public transit availability and fuel costs.

๐Ÿ’ก

Utilities

94
Springfield
Rogers saves 10%
85
Rogers

Utilities costs are primarily driven by local energy sources and climate demands.

๐Ÿ”ง

Services

87
Springfield
Rogers saves 8%
80
Rogers

Services costs are primarily driven by local labor markets and demand density.

Key Cost Comparisons

Roof ReplacementSpringfield saves $2,620
Springfield
$5,513
Rogers
$8,133
Start a RestaurantRogers saves $119,557
Springfield
$407,232
Rogers
$287,675
Cost of LivingSpringfield saves $126
Springfield
$3,533
Rogers
$3,659
Rent PricesRogers saves $170
Springfield
$1,700
Rogers
$1,530
Car InsuranceSpringfield saves $366
Springfield
$1,619
Rogers
$1,985
Software Developer Salary (higher = better)Rogers pays $5,159 more
Springfield
$99,996
Rogers
$105,155

Cost of Living

Springfield: 3Rogers: 2
CategorySpringfieldRogersDiffWinner
Cost of Living$3,533$3,6593%Springfield (lower cost)
Rent Prices$1,700$1,53010%Rogers (lower cost)
Grocery Costs$385$3577%Rogers (lower cost)
Utility Costs$160$25136%Springfield (lower cost)
Transportation Costs$275$2822%Springfield (lower cost)

Home Services

Springfield: 6Rogers: 4
CategorySpringfieldRogersDiffWinner
Roof Replacement$5,513$8,13332%Springfield (lower cost)
HVAC Installation$3,988$5,57829%Springfield (lower cost)
Plumbing Services$245$19520%Rogers (lower cost)
Electrical Work$200$26224%Springfield (lower cost)
Kitchen Remodel$22,766$21,5155%Rogers (lower cost)
Bathroom Remodel$8,427$10,99923%Springfield (lower cost)
House Painting$3,794$3,8822%Springfield (lower cost)
Flooring Installation$2,294$3,00924%Springfield (lower cost)
Landscaping$3,200$2,58819%Rogers (lower cost)
Fence Installation$3,478$2,08740%Rogers (lower cost)

Business Startup Costs

Springfield: 6Rogers: 4
CategorySpringfieldRogersDiffWinner
Start a Restaurant$407,232$287,67529%Rogers (lower cost)
Start a Coffee Shop$108,547$146,05326%Springfield (lower cost)
Start a Food Truck$126,981$129,3942%Springfield (lower cost)
Start a Gym$248,105$200,14519%Rogers (lower cost)
Start a Daycare$56,755$53,3016%Rogers (lower cost)
Start a Hair Salon$264,590$279,7085%Springfield (lower cost)
Start a Laundromat$263,725$310,10015%Springfield (lower cost)
Start a Bakery$69,127$79,71113%Springfield (lower cost)
Start a Bar$412,512$456,04810%Springfield (lower cost)
Start a Cleaning Business$11,361$11,2081%Rogers (lower cost)

Insurance

Springfield: 3Rogers: 1
CategorySpringfieldRogersDiffWinner
Car Insurance$1,619$1,98518%Springfield (lower cost)
Home Insurance$1,722$1,92210%Springfield (lower cost)
Health Insurance$596$6356%Springfield (lower cost)
Business Insurance$1,602$1,5334%Rogers (lower cost)

Salaries & Jobs

Springfield: 0Rogers: 5
CategorySpringfieldRogersDiffWinner
Software Developer Salary$99,996/yr$105,155/yr5%Rogers (higher pay)
Registered Nurse Salary$71,730/yr$74,633/yr4%Rogers (higher pay)
Teacher Salary$46,665/yr$49,228/yr5%Rogers (higher pay)
Electrician Salary$36,988/yr$53,794/yr31%Rogers (higher pay)
Plumber Salary$48,768/yr$52,212/yr7%Rogers (higher pay)

Which City Gives You More Buying Power?

The "better" city depends on your situation. Here's how different profiles stack up:

๐Ÿ’ป

Remote Worker

โ†’ Springfield

If your salary doesn't depend on location, Springfield's 6% lower costs translate directly into more savings or disposable income. Your paycheck goes further without a pay cut.

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Young Professional

โ†’ Springfield

Both cities are moderately priced, but Springfield's lower costs help you build savings earlier in your career when compound growth matters most.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ

Family with Kids

โ†’ Springfield

Families face multiplied costs โ€” housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation all scale with household size. Springfield's 6% advantage compounds across every budget category.

๐Ÿช

Small Business Owner

โ†’ Springfield

Lower operating costs in Springfield mean lower break-even points. Rent, utilities, insurance, and labor all come in cheaper, giving new businesses more runway to reach profitability.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ

Retiree

โ†’ Springfield

On a fixed income, every percentage point matters. Springfield's lower healthcare, housing, and everyday costs help retirement savings last longer.

Salary Equivalent Between Cities

Springfield is 6% more affordable overall

Springfield wins 20 out of 38 cost categories.Rogers has higher costs but wins 18 categories.

Springfield
82
Rogers
88

Explore Each City

Springfield, MO
Pop: 169K | Index: 82
View all costs โ†’
Rogers, AR
Pop: 73K | Index: 88
View all costs โ†’

Explore Specific Costs

Dive deeper into specific cost topics for each city:

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do housing costs compare between Springfield and Rogers?

Housing is typically the biggest cost difference between these cities. Springfield (index: 82) and Rogers (index: 88) differ by 6% overall, with housing costs often diverging even more than the average. Check the Cost of Living section above for specific figures.

Which city is better for remote workers?

For remote workers earning a location-independent salary, Springfield is the clear winner. The 6% cost advantage means more of your paycheck goes to savings or discretionary spending. Rogers makes more sense if your employer adjusts pay upward for that market.

What is the cost of living index for Springfield vs Rogers?

Springfield's cost of living index is 82; Rogers's is 88. A score of 100 represents the national average. Springfield is below average; Rogers is below average. These figures are derived from BLS and Census data.

Which city has better job opportunities?

Job market strength depends on your industry. Both cities have similar cost profiles, suggesting comparable job markets. Compare specific salary categories above for your field. Median incomes are $37K (Springfield) vs $56K (Rogers).

About This Comparison

Data SourcesBLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, Census Bureau ACS, HUD Fair Market Rent data, BLS OEWS (salary data), and regional industry surveys.
MethodologyEach city's costs are derived from national averages adjusted by city-specific cost-of-living indices. Category-specific sensitivity factors account for varying price elasticity across topic areas.
ConfidenceMEDIUMModel-derived estimates, not direct price surveys

Limitations: This comparison uses modeled data based on cost-of-living indices. Actual costs may vary based on neighborhood, timing, provider, and individual circumstances. Salary data reflects median full-time employment; contract and freelance rates differ. Last updated: March 2026.

โ† All ComparisonsSpringfield costs โ†’Rogers costs โ†’