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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Oakland is 147% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,917/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
$97,369/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 47%
$924,700 ↑ 315%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 76%
$2,164/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 41%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $46,030/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Springfield — common questions

Is Oakland or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Springfield?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Springfield?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $46,030/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Springfield details →

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