Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Baltimore is 38% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,290/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 27%
$59,623/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 10%
$219,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 29%
$1,333/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 27%
577,193
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $5,914/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Springfield — common questions

Is Baltimore or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Springfield?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Springfield?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,914/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Illinois?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Springfield

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces