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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Atlanta is 100% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,617/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 42%
$81,938/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 20%
$420,600 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 63%
$1,695/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 43%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $16,401/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Springfield — common questions

Is Atlanta or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Springfield?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Springfield?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $16,401/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Springfield

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces