Sacramento vs Springfield
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Sacramento
Springfield
💡 The Verdict
Springfield is 34% cheaper than Sacramento overall. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $49,219 in Springfield.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Sacramento (left) vs Springfield (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Sacramento versus Springfield. Differences shown from Sacramento perspective.
| Item | Sacramento | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,260/mo | $730/mo | +$530.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,700/mo | $1,090/mo | +$610.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,230/mo | $1,510/mo | +$720.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.03 | $2.43 | +$0.60 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.90 | $3.33 | +$0.57 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.22 | $2.69 | +$0.53 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.98 | $5.33 | +$0.65 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.55 | $2.93 | +$0.62 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20.36 | $12.37 | +$7.99 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Sacramento has the same purchasing power as $49,219 in Springfield.
Conversely, $75,000 in Springfield equals $114,286 in Sacramento.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $1050 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. California details → · Missouri details →
Reading These Numbers: Sacramento (128) vs Springfield (84)
Sacramento at 128 is 28% above the US average, while Springfield at 84 is 16% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Sacramento, the composite index of 128 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 163, followed by groceries (104), utilities (108), transportation (111), and healthcare (106). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $1,700/mo in Sacramento and $1,090/mo in Springfield, the annual rent difference is approximately $7,320.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $36,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $214,000.0 difference in median home prices between Sacramento and Springfield translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Sacramento vs Springfield
Choosing between Sacramento and Springfield involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Sacramento and Springfield can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.