Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Springfield is 21% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 18%
$51,339/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 24%
$222,700 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 57%
$1,276/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 7%
154,751
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $12,561/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Springfield or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Wilmington?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Wilmington?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,561/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Wilmington details →

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