Direct Answer
Springfield, IL has a CostOfCity index of 87, which is 13% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $975/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,343/month.
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Cost of Living in Springfield: The Full Picture
Springfield, IL sits 13% below the national cost-of-living average — but that single number hides a complex story. Some categories (like insurance and legal fees) deviate more than others. Median income here is $53K, and craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy. Explore each category below.
Springfield has a community where local business owners price for neighbors, not tourists — and it shows in every quote you get
The housing market features one of America's more affordable housing markets, where homeownership is within reach for most working families
Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Budget accordingly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy..
Springfield is genuinely affordable by American standards. A cost index of 87 translates to real, material savings on housing, services, and daily expenses compared to most metro areas.
💰 Purchasing Power in Springfield
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Springfield, your dollar buys 15% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Springfield Costs More
🔽 Where Springfield Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Springfield
What it actually costs to live in Springfield each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Springfield's cost index of 87 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Don't let the metro-wide numbers fool you — Springfield is a city of micro-markets. The most expensive ZIP codes can cost twice as much as the most affordable ones for identical services. Shop around by neighborhood and you'll find genuine pockets of value.
Springfield vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Springfield
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-7%HVAC Installation
-30%Plumbing Services
0%Electrical Work
-2%Kitchen Remodel
-34%Bathroom Remodel
-7%House Painting
-12%Flooring Installation
-36%Landscaping
-23%Fence Installation
-5%Window Replacement
-10%Solar Panel Installation
-6%Water Heater Replacement
-25%Deck Building
-6%Pool Installation
-39%Tree Removal
-37%Garage Door Repair
-17%💼 Business Startup Costs in Springfield
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-11%Start a Coffee Shop
-6%Start a Food Truck
0%Start a Gym
-36%Start a Daycare
-15%Start a Hair Salon
-39%Start a Laundromat
-13%Start a Bakery
-10%Start a Bar
-21%Start a Cleaning Business
+13%Start an Airbnb
-12%Start a Trucking Business
0%📊 Cost of Living in Springfield
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-16%Rent Prices
-31%Grocery Costs
+11%Utility Costs
-20%Transportation Costs
+3%Childcare Costs
-1%Gym Membership
-30%🛡️ Insurance in Springfield
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-19%Home Insurance
-13%Health Insurance
-22%Business Insurance
0%Life Insurance
+2%Renters Insurance
-7%Pet Insurance
-29%Dental Insurance
-42%Motorcycle Insurance
+7%⚖️ Legal Services in Springfield
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+3%Divorce Lawyer
-8%DUI Lawyer
-10%Immigration Lawyer
-10%Estate Planning Lawyer
-30%Workers Comp Lawyer
+6%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-11%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Springfield
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-5%Registered Nurse Salary
+7%Teacher Salary
-20%Electrician Salary
-31%Plumber Salary
-21%Accountant Salary
-18%Physical Therapist Salary
-29%Police Officer Salary
-7%Dentist Salary
-15%Real Estate Agent Salary
-20%How Much Income Do You Need in Springfield?
✅ Best For
- Anyone building an emergency fund
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- First-time business owners
- Families prioritizing savings
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
Before moving to Springfield, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Springfield
Is Springfield a good place to start a business?
Springfield's business environment is shaped by IL's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
How does Springfield compare to other cities in IL?
Within Illinois, Springfield has a cost index of 87. Nearby options include Decatur and Bloomington, which offer useful comparison points.
What are the most expensive cost categories in Springfield?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Springfield, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by midwestern climate conditions and state regulations.
Explore Springfield in Depth
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