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

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Richmond

California
161

Springfield is 51% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,114/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 70%
$51,339/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 75%
$222,700 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 192%
$1,276/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 58%
154,751
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $38,699/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Richmond — common questions

Is Springfield or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Richmond?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Richmond?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $38,699/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Richmond details →

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