Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Philadelphia is 8% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,323/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
$60,698/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 15%
$232,400 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 4%
$1,233/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 3%
1,582,432
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $9,359/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Springfield — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Springfield?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Springfield?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,359/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Springfield details →

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