Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Springfield is 12% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,114/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 13%
$51,339/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 72%
$222,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 13%
$1,276/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 18%
154,751
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $36,977/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Elgin — common questions

Is Springfield or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Elgin?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Elgin?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $36,977/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Elgin

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