Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Sacramento is 67% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,694/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
$83,753/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 39%
$484,600 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 54%
$1,752/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 27%
524,802
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $32,414/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Springfield — common questions

Is Sacramento or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Springfield?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Springfield?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $32,414/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Springfield details →

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