Is Washington, DC cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 38.8% more expensive than Springfield, MA. This translates to spending an extra $2908 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $184,897.97 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Springfield, MA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 78.0% more expensive than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

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

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $2908 more per month than Springfield, MA, or $34898 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, MA vs Washington, DC: 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 $2.9K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $184.9K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 38.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,908

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$34.9K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

139

(39% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Springfield, MA vs Washington, DC

Category	Springfield, MA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $2,721more	78.0%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $540more	40.1%
Other	$1,341/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $483more	36.0%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $154more	16.6%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$508/mo	↓ $106less	17.2%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$632/mo	↓ $5.49less	0.9%

Housing

↑ 78.0%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$2,721

Transportation

↑ 40.1%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$540

Other

↑ 36.0%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$483

Groceries

↑ 16.6%

Springfield, MA

$925

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$154

All Utilities

↓ 17.2%

Springfield, MA

$614

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$106

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.9%

Springfield, MA

$637

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$5.49

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$809

To$2,150

↑ $1,341

1 Bed

From$915

To$2,215

↑ $1,300

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$2,470

↑ $1,320

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$3,115

↑ $1,706

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$3,787

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Washington

$294K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 89% more expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$304

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.