Is Springfield, MA cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MA is 8.2% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $617 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $157,407.572 in Springfield, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Springfield, MA?

Housing in Springfield, MA is 50.9% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Living in Springfield, MA costs approximately $617 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $7408 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Philadelphia, PA vs Springfield, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $617/month more in Springfield, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.4K in Springfield, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$617

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.4K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$294K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Springfield, MA

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Springfield, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,313/mo	$3,490/mo	↑ $1,177more	50.9%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,341/mo	↓ $433less	24.4%
Groceries	$1,104/mo	$925/mo	↓ $179less	16.2%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,346/mo	↓ $75.09less	5.3%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$637/mo	↑ $30.27more	5.0%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$614/mo	↑ $7.19more	1.2%

Housing

↑ 50.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Difference

$1,177

Other

↓ 24.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Difference

$433

less

Groceries

↓ 16.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Springfield, MA

$925

Difference

$179

less

Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Difference

$75.09

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Springfield, MA

$637

Difference

$30.27

All Utilities

↑ 1.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Springfield, MA

$614

Difference

$7.19

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Springfield, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$809

↓ $471

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$915

↓ $475

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,150

↓ $510

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,409

↓ $581

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$528

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Springfield

$241K

Median Value

$294K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$137K - $323K

Homes in Springfield are 22% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Springfield

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$241

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.