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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Glendale is 251% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,095/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 55%
$84,262/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 22%
$1,043,900 ↑ 573%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 85%
$2,212/mo ↑ 127%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 56%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,150/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $13,800/year.

Median household income is $18,725/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Springfield — common questions

Is Glendale or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Springfield?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,150/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Springfield?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $18,725/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Springfield

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces