Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Chicago is 64% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,380/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 32%
$75,134/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 13%
$315,200 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 51%
$1,502/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 35%
2,707,648
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $9,597/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Springfield — common questions

Is Chicago or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Springfield?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Springfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,597/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Springfield

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces