Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Springfield is 4% more affordable than Sarasota. A $75,000 salary in Sarasota is equivalent to $71,652 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sarasota has a housing index of 132 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Sarasota costs $380,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Sarasota versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sarasota scores 104 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sarasota (97) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Sarasota is $52,147 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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