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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Pasadena is 261% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,218/mo ↑ 135%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 57%
$103,778/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 37%
$1,045,000 ↑ 573%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 85%
$2,340/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 58%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,273/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $15,276/year.

Median household income is $38,241/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Springfield — common questions

Is Pasadena or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Springfield?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,273/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Springfield?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $38,241/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Springfield details →

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