Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fairfield is 174% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,191/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 57%
$102,321/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 36%
$592,500 ↑ 282%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 74%
$2,226/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 56%
119,985
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,246/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $14,952/year.

Median household income is $36,784/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fairfield or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Springfield?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,246/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Springfield?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $36,784/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Springfield

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces