Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Rochester and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,039/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 9%
$46,628/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 41%
$120,600 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 29%
$1,009/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 3%
209,720
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $18,909/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Springfield — common questions

Is Rochester or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Springfield?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Springfield?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $18,909/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Springfield

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