Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Bellevue is 310% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,505/mo ↑ 165%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 62%
$161,300/yr ↑ 146%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 59%
$1,203,100 ↑ 675%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 87%
$2,586/mo ↑ 166%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 62%
151,199
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,560/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $18,720/year.

Median household income is $95,763/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Springfield — common questions

Is Bellevue or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Springfield?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,560/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Springfield?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $95,763/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Springfield

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces