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

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Springfield is 65% cheaper than Murrieta.

$945/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 147%
$65,537/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 68%
$155,200 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 291%
$974/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 144%
113,714
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,385/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $16,620/year.

Median household income is $44,243/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Springfield or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Murrieta?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,385/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Murrieta?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $44,243/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Murrieta details →

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