Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Lowell is 95% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,603/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 41%
$76,205/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 14%
$395,100 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 61%
$1,672/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
114,799
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $10,668/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Springfield — common questions

Is Lowell or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Springfield?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $10,668/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/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 Lowell details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lowell and Springfield

Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces