Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Washington is 116% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,900/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 41%
$106,287/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 52%
$724,600 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 69%
$2,103/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 39%
672,079
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $54,948/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Springfield — common questions

Is Washington or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Springfield?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Springfield?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $54,948/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Massachusetts?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Springfield details →

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