CostIndexUSA

Baltimore, MD vs Springfield, IL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

MD
Baltimore
104.5
overall index
$1,850/mo rent
More AffordableIL
Springfield
92.7
overall index
$1,150/mo rent

Springfield is moderately cheaper than Baltimore — 11.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Baltimore, you would need $71,000 in Springfield. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing39.4%
Baltimore
118.2
Springfield
71.6
🛒 Groceries8.6%
Baltimore
102.4
Springfield
93.6
🚗 Transportation1.9%
Baltimore
106.6
Springfield
104.6
🏥 Healthcare1.9%
Baltimore
96.4
Springfield
94.6
Utilities18.0%
Baltimore
110.2
Springfield
90.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Baltimore to see what you'd need to earn in Springfield to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Springfield, IL
$71,000
$9,000 less needed in Springfield

Formula: salary × (92.7 ÷ 104.5) = salary × 0.8871. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Baltimore, MD

Median Home Price
$391,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,850
Housing Index
118.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.6×

Springfield, IL

Median Home Price
$188,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,150
Housing Index
71.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6×

Baltimore has 39.4% lower housing costs compared to Springfield.

Income & Job Market

Baltimore, MD

Median Household Income
$94,300
Per Capita Income
$53,800
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Population
585,708
Top Industries
HealthcareGovernmentFinanceEducationManufacturing

Springfield, IL

Median Household Income
$72,200
Per Capita Income
$41,200
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Population
114,230
Top Industries
GovernmentHealthcareEducationFinanceRetail

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Baltimore, MD
4.2×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Springfield, IL
5.2×income-to-rent ratio

81% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.