Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Springfield is 19% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $60,795 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maryland salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 172 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $430,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Columbia versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 104 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (101) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Columbia is $112,738 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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