Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Athens is 36% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,162/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 19%
$51,655/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 27%
$271,800 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 43%
$1,163/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 16%
126,987
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $13,882/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Springfield — common questions

Is Athens or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Springfield?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $13,882/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Springfield

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces