An Overview of Cost of Living in Springfield, MA
Knowing the cost of living in Springfield allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Springfield stands at 102, marking it 2% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Springfield closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Springfield can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those 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 17 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? 47% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 53% 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 11.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 4.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Springfield boasting a median household income of $41,571, which is 24.9% lower than the national average.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Springfield?
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Springfield, the transportation index stands at 3.7% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Springfield comes in at 26.6% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Springfield, healthcare costs are 2.8% higher than the national average.
Where is the Data From?
The cost of living in Springfield, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.
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