Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Springfield and Gainesville have a similar cost of living.

$1,114/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 9%
$51,339/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 11%
$222,700 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 6%
$1,276/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 9%
154,751
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $5,728/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Springfield or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Gainesville?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Gainesville?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $5,728/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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