Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Berkeley is 311% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,127/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 56%
$108,558/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 40%
$1,351,100 ↑ 771%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 89%
$2,340/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 58%
120,223
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,182/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $14,184/year.

Median household income is $43,021/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Springfield — common questions

Is Berkeley or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Springfield?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,182/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Springfield?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $43,021/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Springfield

Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces