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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Arlington is 233% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,275/mo ↑ 141%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 58%
$140,160/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 53%
$864,800 ↑ 457%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 82%
$2,414/mo ↑ 148%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 60%
235,463
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

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,330/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $15,960/year.

Median household income is $74,623/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Springfield — common questions

Is Arlington or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Springfield?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,330/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Springfield?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $74,623/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Springfield details →

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