Is Springfield, MA cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MA is 27.9% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2096 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $124,852.936 in Springfield, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Springfield, MA is 43.8% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Springfield, MA could save you approximately $2096 per month, or $25147 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Springfield, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.9K in Springfield, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,096

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.1K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

(28% below avg)

Median Home:$294K

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

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: Washington, DC vs Springfield, MA

Category	Washington, DC	Springfield, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,211/mo	$3,490/mo	↓ $2,721less	43.8%
Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,346/mo	↓ $540less	28.6%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,341/mo	↓ $483less	26.5%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$925/mo	↓ $154less	14.3%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$614/mo	↑ $106more	20.8%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$637/mo	↑ $5.49more	0.9%

Housing

↓ 43.8%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Difference

$2,721

less

Transportation

↓ 28.6%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Difference

$540

less

Other

↓ 26.5%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Difference

$483

less

Groceries

↓ 14.3%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Springfield, MA

$925

Difference

$154

less

All Utilities

↑ 20.8%

Washington, DC

$508

Springfield, MA

$614

Difference

$106

Healthcare

↑ 0.9%

Washington, DC

$632

Springfield, MA

$637

Difference

$5.49

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$809

↓ $1,341

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$915

↓ $1,300

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,150

↓ $1,320

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$1,409

↓ $1,706

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$3,787

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Springfield

$556K

Median Value

$294K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$137K - $323K

Homes in Springfield are 47% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Springfield

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$304

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.