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

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Springfield is 74% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,114/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 168%
$51,339/yr ↓ 70%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 238%
$222,700 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 586%
$1,276/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 139%
154,751
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,871/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $22,452/year.

Median household income is $122,331/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Springfield or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,871/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $122,331/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Santa Clara

Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville