Median rent is 15% lower in Springfield ($945/mo vs $1,114/mo). Buying is cheaper in Springfield, where the median home runs $155,200 versus $222,700. Households earn more in Springfield ($65,537 vs $51,339 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (90.0).
City A
Springfield, IL
City B
Springfield, MA
How much would you need to earn in Springfield, MA to maintain your standard of living from Springfield, IL?
Equivalent salary in Springfield, MA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Springfield
Illinois
Springfield
Massachusetts
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Springfield at $945/mo compared to $1,114/mo in Springfield (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Springfield: the median home is $222,700 versus $155,200 in Springfield — 30% 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 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Springfield is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Springfield has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Springfield
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Springfield
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Springfield (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Springfield.
Pick Springfield if you prioritize higher median household income ($65,537/yr).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize cheaper rent ($945/mo median).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Springfield cheaper than Springfield?
Springfield is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 90.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Springfield.
How much is rent in Springfield vs Springfield?
Median rent is $945/mo in Springfield, IL and $1,114/mo in Springfield, MA. Springfield, IL has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Springfield or Springfield?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield, IL and $51,339 in Springfield, MA. Springfield, IL 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 — Springfield or Springfield?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Springfield, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Springfield to match my Springfield income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Springfield, IL is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Springfield, MA (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