Springfield vs Wilmington
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Springfield
Wilmington
The Verdict
Living in Springfield costs 25.0% less than Wilmington. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Springfield, you would need $100,000 in Wilmington.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Springfield has the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Wilmington.
Conversely, $75,000 in Wilmington equals $56,250 in Springfield.
Living in Springfield vs Wilmington
Housing Costs
Springfield's housing index of 52 is lower Wilmington's 104, translating to median home prices of $162,000 vs $235,000. The $73,000 difference in home prices means roughly $4,740 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $925/mo in Springfield compared to $1,200/mo in Wilmington, a monthly difference of $275.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Springfield and 103 in Wilmington. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Springfield vs $489/month in Wilmington. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 98 in Springfield and 106 in Wilmington. Monthly utility bills average approximately $392 in Springfield vs $424 in Wilmington. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 91 in Springfield and 106 in Wilmington. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $65,500 in Springfield and $46,520 in Wilmington. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $83,974 and $44,731 respectively. Springfield residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,528/month to housing in Springfield vs $1,085/month in Wilmington. In Springfield, median rent of $925/mo fits within this budget. In Wilmington, 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 52 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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