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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Chicago is 27% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,380/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
$75,134/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 32%
$315,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 29%
$1,502/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 15%
2,707,648
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $23,795/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

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 79 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 $1,114/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Springfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $23,795/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/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. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville