Is Springfield, MA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MA is 26.5% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $1987 per month.

What salary do I need in Springfield, MA to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $126,158.7 in Springfield, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Springfield, MA?

Housing in Springfield, MA is 33.8% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Springfield, MA?

Moving from Boston, MA to Springfield, MA could save you approximately $1987 per month, or $23841 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA vs Springfield, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Springfield, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.2K in Springfield, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,987

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

(26% below avg)

Median Home:$294K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Springfield, MA

Category	Boston, MA	Springfield, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$3,490/mo	↓ $1,785less	33.8%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,346/mo	↓ $485less	26.5%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,341/mo	↓ $483less	26.5%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$925/mo	↓ $154less	14.3%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$637/mo	↓ $106less	14.3%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$614/mo	↓ $102less	14.3%

Housing

↓ 33.8%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Difference

$1,785

less

Transportation

↓ 26.5%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Difference

$485

less

Other

↓ 26.5%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Difference

$483

less

Groceries

↓ 14.3%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Springfield, MA

$925

Difference

$154

less

Healthcare

↓ 14.3%

Boston, MA

$743

Springfield, MA

$637

Difference

$106

less

All Utilities

↓ 14.3%

Boston, MA

$716

Springfield, MA

$614

Difference

$102

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$809

↓ $2,286

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$915

↓ $2,340

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,150

↓ $2,715

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$1,409

↓ $3,221

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$3,116

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Springfield

$961K

Median Value

$294K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$137K - $323K

Homes in Springfield are 69% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Springfield

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Springfield, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.