Cost of Living: Springfield, IL vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Springfield is 5% more expensive than Lansing.

$945/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↑ 3%
$65,537/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 20%
$155,200 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 23%
$974/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$978/mo ≈ Same
113,714
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

17.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,367/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Lansing — common questions

Is Springfield or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Lansing?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Lansing?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $13,367/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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