| Index | Springfield | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 77 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 100 | 100 |

The cost of living in Springfield affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Springfield is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
In Springfield, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Springfield will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 15 residents in Springfield to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 40% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 60% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Springfield is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Springfield, for example, the median home price is 26.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Springfield boasting a median household income of $81,200, which is 0.2% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Springfield, the housing index is 22.6% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Springfield, healthcare costs are 1% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Springfield are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $112,428 | $9,369 | $2,623 | $3,373 |
| Renters | $45,151 | $3,763 | $1,053 | $1,355 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Cornland, IL | 73 | 99 | 1.1% |
| Jeisyville, IL | 60 | 78 | 21.9% |
| Tovey, IL | 600 | 81 | 19.0% |
| Clear Lake, IL | 399 | 82 | 17.6% |
| Berlin, IL | 189 | 82 | 17.5% |
| Springfield, IL | 117,426 | 92 | 7.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Costa Mesa, CA | 117,376 | 197 | 97.0% |
| Murrieta, CA | 117,330 | 150 | 50.5% |
| North Charleston, SC | 117,218 | 102 | 1.9% |
| West Jordan, UT | 117,770 | 121 | 20.6% |
| Carlsbad, CA | 117,067 | 202 | 102.1% |
| Springfield, IL | 117,426 | 92 | 7.5% |