Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Springfield is 16% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sacramento scores 104 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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