Skyline of Springfield
Cost of Living: 95 155,000

Springfield, MA, US

Birthplace of basketball with the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss Museum.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Springfield is a city in MA with a population of 155,000. Birthplace of basketball with the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss Museum. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The population skews young, with a median age of 33.7.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 98

Affordable

Median Income $48,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Springfield vs US Average

Cost of Living
Springfield: 95
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Springfield: 98
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Springfield: 5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.0%
  • Sales Tax: 6.2%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $48,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 155,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 190/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $220,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1100/mo

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Cost of Living

Springfield's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).

CategorySpringfieldNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing98100-2.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$220,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft$146

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Springfield:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$215Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$161Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$75Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$80Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$531Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Springfield scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
$1100
Sunny Days
190
Tax
5%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
84°F / 18°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
155,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Springfield has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April69°F33°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F36°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Springfield faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Coastal flooding.

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Hurricane Moderate Risk

Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5%
  • Sales Tax: 6.25%
  • Property Tax: ~1.23% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

100/100
School Quality Score
?
71
Total Schools

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Universities & Higher Education

3
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Springfield is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
2.7%
Black or African American
17.7%
Hispanic or Latino
47.4%
Native American
0.1%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.0%
Other
0.2%
Two or more races
2.7%
White
29.3%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
19.7%
High school graduate
33.6%
Less than high school
20.2%
Some college
26.6%

Religion

Christian
55.0%
Jewish
4.0%
Other
8.0%
Unaffiliated
33.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Springfield, MA, US?

The cost of living index in Springfield is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Springfield?

The median home price in Springfield is $220,000. The housing index is 98.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Springfield is approximately $1100/mo.

Does Springfield, MA have income tax?

Springfield is in MA, which has an income tax rate of 5%.

What is the climate like in Springfield?

Springfield enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.