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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Ontario is 149% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,916/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 51%
$82,806/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 21%
$568,000 ↑ 266%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 73%
$1,967/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 50%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $17,269/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Springfield — common questions

Is Ontario or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Springfield?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Springfield?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $17,269/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Springfield

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces