Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Springfield is 59% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,114/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 91%
$51,339/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 103%
$222,700 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 286%
$1,276/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 76%
154,751
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,010/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $12,120/year.

Median household income is $52,880/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Springfield or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Fullerton?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,010/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Fullerton?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $52,880/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Fullerton

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