Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Springfield is 5% cheaper than Athens.

$1,114/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 4%
$51,339/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,655/yr ≈ Same
$222,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 22%
$1,276/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 9%
154,751
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $316/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Athens — common questions

Is Springfield or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Athens?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Athens?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $316/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Athens details →

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