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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

San Jose is 222% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,617/mo ↑ 135%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 57%
$141,565/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 64%
$1,187,800 ↑ 433%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 81%
$2,775/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 54%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,503/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $18,036/year.

Median household income is $90,226/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Springfield — common questions

Is San Jose or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Springfield?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $1,503/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Springfield?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $90,226/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Springfield

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville