Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Boston is 123% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,093/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 47%
$94,755/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 46%
$710,400 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 69%
$2,176/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 41%
663,972
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $979/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,748/year.

Median household income is $43,416/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Springfield — common questions

Is Boston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Springfield?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $979/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Springfield?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $43,416/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Springfield

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville