Median rent is 48% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $2,643/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $622,200. Households earn more in Springfield ($123,691 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Springfield is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.0 against 105.7 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Springfield, VA.
Quick verdict
Springfield is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Springfield vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Springfield, VA
How much would you need to earn in Springfield, VA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Springfield, VA
$63,863
You could earn $11,137 less (15% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Springfield
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $2,643/mo in Springfield, a 48% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Springfield: the median home is $622,200 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 49% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.30% in Virginia; Springfield has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Springfield
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Springfield.
Pick Springfield if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.0 vs 105.7).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize higher median household income ($123,691/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Springfield?
Springfield is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Springfield.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Springfield?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $2,643/mo in Springfield, VA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 48%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Springfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $123,691 in Springfield, VA. Springfield, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Springfield?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Springfield to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $85,150 in Springfield, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology