Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Elizabeth is 84% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,463/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 35%
$63,874/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 3%
$393,500 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 61%
$1,543/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
135,887
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $1,663/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Springfield — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Springfield?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Springfield?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $1,663/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Springfield

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces