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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fremont is 356% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,905/mo ↑ 207%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 67%
$176,350/yr ↑ 169%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 63%
$1,289,400 ↑ 731%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 88%
$3,000/mo ↑ 208%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 68%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,960/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $23,520/year.

Median household income is $110,813/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fremont or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Springfield?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,960/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Springfield?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $110,813/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Springfield

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces