Springfield, IL Relocation Guide (2026)
Cost of living, housing, and income data for Springfield, sourced from the US Census Bureau.
Salary needed to live in Springfield →
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.
Springfield counts roughly 114,214 residents, and the median household brings in $62,419 annually — -13% relative to the cities in our dataset, putting incomes here below the pack.
In Springfield, the median home is valued at $147,700 — below the median across the cities we track (-55%) — and typical rent runs $913 a month. Factor in mortgage rates and property taxes when sizing up whether buying pencils out.
Buying a typical home in Springfield would take about 2.4 years of median household income, a comparatively affordable multiple by our tracked standards. Springfield's home prices climbed 4.48% over the past year — steady appreciation without signs of overheating. FEMA rates Springfield's overall natural-hazard risk as Relatively Moderate — comparatively low, which tends to keep home insurance costs in check.
Personal Affordability Check
Renting at $913/mo in Springfield would take 17.6% of your income.
$647/mo under the 30% guideline.
Buying the median home ($147,700) would take 15.2% of your income toward principal & interest.
$668/mo under the 28% guideline.
Cost of housing in Springfield
Median home value is $147,700 and median gross rent is $913/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.
FHFA's county-level home price index for Sangamon rose 4.48% over the past year (as of 2025).
HUD's FY 2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit in the surrounding county is $1,203/month.
Climate & home insurance
FEMA rates Springfield's overall natural-hazard risk as Relatively Moderate. Risk level is a major driver of home insurance premiums.
Safety
Springfield reported a violent crime rate of 896.1 per 100,000 residents in 2025, per FBI data.
Moving to Springfield
Planning a move to Springfield? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL?
- The US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022) puts Springfield's median home value at $147,700, median rent at $913/month, and median household income at $62,419.
- How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Springfield?
- At Springfield's median rent of $913/month, the 30%-of-income guideline suggests an annual income around $36,520 to stay comfortably housed. See the full salary breakdown (renting and buying) for Springfield.
- Is it better to rent or buy in Springfield?
- With a median home value of $147,700 and median rent of $913/month, renting comfortably in Springfield takes about $36,520/year (the 30% guideline), while buying at the median price takes roughly $33,793/year in principal-and-interest alone (assumes 20% down, a 30-year fixed loan, and current mortgage rates). The right call depends on how long you plan to stay and your down payment.
- Is Springfield safe?
- The most recent FBI figures (2025) show a violent crime rate of 896.1 per 100,000 residents in Springfield.
See the full salary breakdown for Springfield →
Cities with a similar cost of living
Matched on median rent and household income within 15% of Springfield's.