Abilene vs Springfield
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Abilene
Springfield
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 2.6%, with Springfield being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Abilene has equivalent purchasing power to $73,125 in Springfield.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Abilene has the same purchasing power as $73,125 in Springfield.
Conversely, $75,000 in Springfield equals $76,923 in Abilene.
Living in Abilene vs Springfield
Housing Costs
Abilene's housing index of 58 is higher Springfield's 52, translating to median home prices of $179,000 vs $162,000. The $17,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,104 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Abilene compared to $925/mo in Springfield, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 91 in Abilene and 98 in Springfield. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $432/month in Abilene vs $466/month in Springfield. Abilene offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $408/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Abilene and 98 in Springfield. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Abilene vs $392 in Springfield. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 96 in Abilene and 91 in Springfield. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $62,600 in Abilene and $65,500 in Springfield. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $78,250 and $83,974 respectively. Springfield residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,461/month to housing in Abilene vs $1,528/month in Springfield. In Abilene, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Springfield, median rent of $925/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 25 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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