Is Boston, MA cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 36.0% more expensive than Springfield, MA. This translates to spending an extra $2703 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $182,432.878 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 51.2% more expensive than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2703 more per month than Springfield, MA, or $32433 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, MA vs Boston, 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 Springfield, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.7K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $182.4K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 36.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,703

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$32.4K

Per year

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$294K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

136

(36% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Springfield, MA vs Boston, MA

Category	Springfield, MA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $1,785more	51.2%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $485more	36.0%
Other	$1,341/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $483more	36.0%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $154more	16.6%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$743/mo	↑ $106more	16.6%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$716/mo	↑ $102more	16.6%

Housing

↑ 51.2%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,785

Transportation

↑ 36.0%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$485

Other

↑ 36.0%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$483

Groceries

↑ 16.6%

Springfield, MA

$925

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$154

Healthcare

↑ 16.6%

Springfield, MA

$637

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$106

All Utilities

↑ 16.6%

Springfield, MA

$614

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$102

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$809

To$3,095

↑ $2,286

1 Bed

From$915

To$3,255

↑ $2,340

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$3,865

↑ $2,715

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$4,630

↑ $3,221

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,116

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Boston

$294K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 227% more expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Boston

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Boston, 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.