Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Cambridge is 292% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,742/mo ↑ 190%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 66%
$126,469/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 48%
$1,040,500 ↑ 570%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 85%
$2,634/mo ↑ 170%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 63%
117,794
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,797/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $21,564/year.

Median household income is $60,932/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Springfield — common questions

Is Cambridge or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Springfield?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,797/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Springfield?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $60,932/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Springfield

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces