Cost of Living: Tallahassee, FL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Tallahassee

Florida
87
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Tallahassee is 43% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,238/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 24%
$55,931/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 17%
$276,000 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 44%
$1,237/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 21%
199,696
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tallahassee, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $9,606/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tallahassee is $276,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tallahassee residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tallahassee vs Springfield — common questions

Is Tallahassee or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tallahassee and Springfield?
Median rent in Tallahassee is $1,238/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Tallahassee or Springfield?
Median household income is $55,931 in Tallahassee and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,606/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tallahassee or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,238/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 Tallahassee details → View Springfield details →

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