Chicago, IL vs Springfield, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Springfield has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Springfield | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 72 | Springfield |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 45 ($662) | Springfield |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Springfield |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 88 ($361) | Springfield |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 73 ($81) | Springfield |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 73 ($59) | Springfield |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 107 ($51,960) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Springfield, IL cheaper to live in?
Springfield, IL is cheaper overall by about 26 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Springfield, IL: 72; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Springfield, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $25,200/year in Springfield, IL to cover basic living costs.