Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Alexandria is 184% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,031/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 53%
$113,638/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 42%
$696,800 ↑ 349%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 78%
$2,173/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 55%
156,788
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,086/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $13,032/year.

Median household income is $48,101/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Springfield — common questions

Is Alexandria or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Springfield?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,086/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Springfield?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $48,101/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Springfield

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces