Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Springfield is 36% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,114/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 12%
$51,339/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↑ 2%
$222,700 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 46%
$1,276/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 23%
154,751
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $831/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Lansing — common questions

Is Springfield or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Lansing?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Lansing?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $831/year higher in Lansing.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Lansing details →

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