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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Irvine is 320% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,893/mo ↑ 206%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 67%
$129,647/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 49%
$1,115,400 ↑ 619%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 86%
$2,904/mo ↑ 198%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 66%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,948/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $23,376/year.

Median household income is $64,110/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Springfield — common questions

Is Irvine or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Springfield?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,948/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Springfield?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $64,110/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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