Cost of Living in Springfield
Springfield's cost-of-living picture runs through genuinely below-national-average rent ($1,100-$1,270 depending on source), a Zillow average home value of $163,198 (up 8.2% year-over-year, roughly 44.5% below Illinois's own statewide average), and Illinois's real, simple flat 4.95% state income tax with no tax on retirement income -- offset by Sangamon County's own real, high property tax rate and Springfield's 9.75% combined sales tax.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreHousing and Rent Run Genuinely More Affordable Than the Illinois Statewide Average
As detailed on the housing-market and renting topic pages, Springfield's Zillow average home value ($163,198) runs roughly 44.5% below Illinois's own statewide average ($294,136), and Springfield's rent ($1,100-$1,270 depending on source) runs meaningfully below typical national average apartment rent figures -- a real, core part of Springfield's relocation affordability appeal.
Illinois's Real, Simple Flat State Income Tax, With a Real Retirement-Income Exemption
As detailed on the taxes topic page, Illinois's real, simple flat 4.95% state income tax rate is genuinely low and easy to plan around, and Illinois does NOT tax Social Security, pensions, or 401(k)/IRA distributions -- a real, substantial cost-of-living advantage for retirees specifically that applies fully in Springfield.
A Real, Disclosed High Property Tax and Sales Tax Burden
As detailed on the property-taxes and taxes topic pages, Sangamon County's own median effective property tax rate runs a real, disclosed 2.28% -- more than double the national median -- and Springfield's combined sales tax runs 9.75% (6.25% state + 1% county + 2.5% city). Neither should be assumed away by Springfield's affordable housing headline alone.
A Real, Disclosed Median-Income and Poverty-Rate Context
Springfield's median household income runs $66,064, with a real, disclosed poverty rate of 16.83% -- meaningfully above both the 12.5% national and 11.8% Illinois statewide poverty rates. This record discloses this honestly as a real economic headwind alongside Springfield's own affordability metrics, rather than presenting affordability in isolation from local income context.
Key takeaways
- Springfield's housing (~44.5% below the IL statewide average) and rent ($1,100-$1,270 depending on source) run genuinely more affordable -- a real, core part of its relocation appeal.
- Illinois's real, simple flat 4.95% state income tax comes with a real, substantial exemption for Social Security, pensions, and 401(k)/IRA distributions.
- Sangamon County's median effective property tax rate (2.28%) and Springfield's 9.75% combined sales tax are real, disclosed costs to budget for directly.
- Springfield's median household income ($66,064) and poverty rate (16.83%, above both national and Illinois statewide rates) are real, disclosed local economic context.
- Springfield's relative affordability is real specifically relative to Illinois's own statewide housing average, not a universally low-cost picture once local taxes are fully factored in.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Springfield overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert