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

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Springfield is 55% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$945/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 95%
$65,537/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 29%
$155,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 208%
$974/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 84%
113,714
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $897/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,764/year.

Median household income is $19,080/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Springfield or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $897/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $19,080/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Santa Maria

Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton