Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Los Angeles is 137% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,879/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 41%
$80,366/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 36%
$879,500 ↑ 295%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 75%
$2,055/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 38%
3,857,897
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $29,027/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Springfield — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Springfield?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Springfield?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $29,027/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Springfield details →

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