Peoria vs Springfield
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Peoria
Springfield
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 5.6%, with Springfield being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Peoria has equivalent purchasing power to $71,018 in Springfield.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Peoria has the same purchasing power as $71,018 in Springfield.
Conversely, $75,000 in Springfield equals $79,206 in Peoria.
Living in Peoria vs Springfield
Housing Costs
Peoria's housing index of 149 is higher Springfield's 106, translating to median home prices of $495,000 vs $230,000. The $265,000 difference in home prices means roughly $17,220 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,725/mo in Peoria compared to $1,200/mo in Springfield, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Peoria and 104 in Springfield. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Peoria vs $494/month in Springfield. Peoria offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 106 in Peoria and 119 in Springfield. Monthly utility bills average approximately $424 in Peoria vs $476 in Springfield. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 86 in Peoria and 114 in Springfield. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 28-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $97,300 in Peoria and $41,612 in Springfield. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $86,106 and $38,890 respectively. Peoria residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $2,270/month to housing in Peoria vs $971/month in Springfield. In Peoria, median rent of $1,725/mo fits within this budget. In Springfield, median rent of $1,200/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 43 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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