Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Seattle is 148% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,998/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 44%
$121,984/yr ↑ 138%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 58%
$912,100 ↑ 310%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 76%
$2,220/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 43%
741,440
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $70,645/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Springfield — common questions

Is Seattle or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Springfield?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Springfield?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $70,645/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Springfield details →

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