Cost of Living in Springfield, MA
Population 154,751 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Springfield lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $223,000 — 27% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Massachusetts. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
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 $222,700 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,114/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,339/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. Overall, Springfield has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MA?
Springfield has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Springfield, MA?
The median gross rent in Springfield is $1,114 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Springfield?
The median home value in Springfield is $222,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Springfield?
The median household income in Springfield is $51,339 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Springfield, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Springfield is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Springfield, MA affordable?
Yes, Springfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
Springfield at a Glance
- Population
- 154,751
- Median Income
- $51,339
- Home Value
- $222,700
- Median Rent
- $1,114/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs