Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Ann Arbor is 98% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,552/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 39%
$81,089/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 19%
$435,100 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 64%
$1,638/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 41%
121,179
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $15,552/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Springfield — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Springfield?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Springfield?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $15,552/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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 Ann Arbor details → View Springfield details →

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