A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Springfield Illinois National
Cost of living9298100
Groceries98100100
Health care101100100
Housing7795100
Transportation102101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare95100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Springfield, IL

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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Springfield?

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.

Is Springfield Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Springfield?

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.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Springfield is 6% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Springfield is 8% lower than the national average
  • Springfield housing is 23% lower than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Springfield

See all the best places to live around Springfield

Compare Springfield, IL Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      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
      The affordability of the housing market in Springfield, IL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Springfield homeowners, the median income is $112,428. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,623 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $45,151. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,053 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cornland, IL73991.1%
      Jeisyville, IL607821.9%
      Tovey, IL6008119.0%
      Clear Lake, IL3998217.6%
      Berlin, IL1898217.5%
      Springfield, IL117,426927.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Costa Mesa, CA117,37619797.0%
      Murrieta, CA117,33015050.5%
      North Charleston, SC117,2181021.9%
      West Jordan, UT117,77012120.6%
      Carlsbad, CA117,067202102.1%
      Springfield, IL117,426927.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.