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

Richmond

California
161
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Richmond is 164% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,895/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 50%
$90,038/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 27%
$650,100 ↑ 319%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 76%
$2,015/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 52%
115,396
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

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 161 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $950/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,400/year.

Median household income is $24,501/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $650,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Springfield — common questions

Is Richmond or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Springfield?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,895/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $950/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Springfield?
Median household income is $90,038 in Richmond and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,501/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 161 with median rent of $1,895/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 Richmond details → View Springfield details →

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