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

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Springfield is 64% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,114/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 99%
$51,339/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 102%
$222,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 369%
$1,276/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 83%
154,751
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,104/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $13,248/year.

Median household income is $52,439/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Springfield or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Pasadena?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,104/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $52,439/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Pasadena details →

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