Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

West Palm Beach is 95% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,709/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 45%
$69,261/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 5%
$369,800 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 58%
$1,667/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
119,508
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $3,724/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Springfield — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Springfield?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $764/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Springfield?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $3,724/year higher in West Palm Beach.
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 West Palm Beach or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for West Palm Beach and Springfield

West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces