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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Salinas is 156% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,923/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 51%
$89,150/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 26%
$610,900 ↑ 294%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 75%
$1,912/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 49%
161,993
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

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $978/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,736/year.

Median household income is $23,613/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas vs Springfield — common questions

Is Salinas or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Springfield?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $978/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Springfield?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $23,613/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Springfield details →

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