Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Sunnyvale is 459% more expensive than Springfield.

$3,065/mo ↑ 224%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 69%
$181,862/yr ↑ 177%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 64%
$1,816,600 ↑ 1070%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 91%
$3,016/mo ↑ 210%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 68%
153,455
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,120/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $25,440/year.

Median household income is $116,325/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Springfield — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Springfield?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $2,120/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Springfield?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $116,325/year higher in Sunnyvale.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sunnyvale or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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.
View Sunnyvale details → View Springfield details →

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