Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Springfield is 18% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,114/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 15%
$51,339/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 28%
$222,700 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 30%
$1,276/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 24%
154,751
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $14,198/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Springfield — common questions

Is Springfield or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Springfield?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,198/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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