Cost of Living in Springfield, IL
Population 113,714 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Springfield can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $155,000 against $65,537 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Springfield
The median home value in Springfield is $155,200 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $945/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,537/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 64.0°F and lows of 44.0°F, with about 21.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Springfield has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 41 | 53 | 66 | 76 | 84 | 87 | 85 | 80 | 67 | 53 | 41 |
| Low °F | 20 | 24 | 33 | 43 | 54 | 63 | 66 | 64 | 56 | 45 | 34 | 25 |
| Precip" | 2.03 | 1.93 | 2.76 | 3.97 | 4.52 | 4.61 | 3.85 | 3.37 | 2.88 | 3.26 | 2.71 | 2.15 |
| Snow" | 6.7 | 6.1 | 3.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 4.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL?
Springfield has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Springfield, IL?
The median gross rent in Springfield is $945 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Springfield?
The median home value in Springfield is $155,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Springfield?
The median household income in Springfield is $65,537 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Springfield, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Springfield is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Springfield, IL affordable?
Yes, Springfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Springfield?
Springfield has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 44.0°F. Annual precipitation is 38". Average annual snowfall is 21.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Springfield at a Glance
- Population
- 113,714
- Median Income
- $65,537
- Home Value
- $155,200
- Median Rent
- $945/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Illinois Rankings
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