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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

San Francisco is 238% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,419/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 54%
$141,446/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 64%
$1,380,500 ↑ 520%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 84%
$2,620/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 51%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,305/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $15,660/year.

Median household income is $90,107/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Springfield — common questions

Is San Francisco or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Springfield?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $1,305/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Springfield?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $90,107/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Springfield details →

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