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

Springfield

Massachusetts

Santa Maria

California

137

Springfield is 42% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,114/mo ↓ 40%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 65%

$51,339/yr ↓ 39%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 65%

$222,700 ↓ 53%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 115%

$1,276/mo ↓ 29%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 40%

154,751

Population

109,880

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

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $33,278/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Springfield or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Springfield and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $728/month.

Which city has higher income, Springfield or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $33,278/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Springfield

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons