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

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Downey

California
169

Springfield is 64% cheaper than Downey.

$945/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 100%
$65,537/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 33%
$155,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 369%
$974/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 105%
113,714
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $947/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,364/year.

Median household income is $21,863/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Downey — common questions

Is Springfield or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Downey?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $947/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Downey?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $21,863/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Downey details →

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