Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Springfield is 16% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,695 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Riverside has a housing index of 155 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Riverside costs $500,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Riverside versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Riverside scores 103 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Riverside (102) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Riverside is $67,068 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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