Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 57.0% more expensive than Springfield, MA. This translates to spending an extra $4278 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $201,331.913 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Springfield, MA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 115.9% more expensive than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4278 more per month than Springfield, MA, or $51332 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, MA vs Seattle, WA: 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 $4.3K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $201.3K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 57.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,278

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$51.3K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

157

(57% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Springfield, MA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Springfield, MA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,046more	115.9%
Other	$1,341/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $634more	47.3%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $553more	41.1%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$824/mo	↑ $187more	29.3%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $154more	16.6%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$481/mo	↓ $133less	21.6%

Housing

↑ 115.9%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,046

Other

↑ 47.3%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$634

Transportation

↑ 41.1%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$553

Healthcare

↑ 29.3%

Springfield, MA

$637

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$187

Groceries

↑ 16.6%

Springfield, MA

$925

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$154

All Utilities

↓ 21.6%

Springfield, MA

$614

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$133

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$809

To$2,180

↑ $1,371

1 Bed

From$915

To$2,260

↑ $1,345

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$2,630

↑ $1,480

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$3,440

↑ $2,031

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,441

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Seattle

$294K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 175% more expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.