A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
46%
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 Ohio National
Cost of living8489100
Groceries9697100
Health care9996100
Housing5474100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9893100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Springfield, OH

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Springfield is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Springfield is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Springfield stands out by reporting housing costs that are 45.7% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 21 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Springfield. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 19% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 81% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Springfield Affordable?

Is Springfield affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Springfield, for instance, where the median home price falls 55.7% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 22.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Springfield flaunting a median household income of $57,525, 29.3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Springfield?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Springfield, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5.75%, and income tax rates start at 2.76%.

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 3.9% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Springfield, the utilities index stands at 7.1% lower 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 Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Springfield is 16% lower than the national average
  • Springfield housing is 46% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% 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, OH Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$74,732$6,228$1,744$2,242
      Renters$45,241$3,770$1,056$1,357
      The affordability of the housing market in Springfield, OH 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 $74,732. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,744 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $45,241. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,056 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Highland Holiday, OH7047921.1%
      Christiansburg, OH4918316.9%
      South Solon, OH4268416.0%
      South Charleston, OH1,8518415.8%
      New Carlisle, OH5,7168415.9%
      Springfield, OH60,3128416.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kokomo, IN60,3118614.4%
      Mirabel, QC60,296n/a 
      Great Falls, MT60,2091000.3%
      Orland Park, IL60,16111414.2%
      Des Plaines, IL60,15911212.4%
      Springfield, OH60,3128416.1%
      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.