CostIndexUSA

Monroe, LA vs Springfield, IL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableLA
Monroe
83.6
overall index
$1,100/mo rent
IL
Springfield
92.7
overall index
$1,150/mo rent

Monroe is moderately cheaper than Springfield — 10.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Monroe, you would need $88,700 in Springfield. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing+67.3%
Monroe
42.8
Springfield
71.6
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Monroe
93.7
Springfield
93.6
🚗 Transportation+4.1%
Monroe
100.5
Springfield
104.6
🏥 Healthcare+4.1%
Monroe
90.9
Springfield
94.6
Utilities+25.2%
Monroe
72.2
Springfield
90.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Springfield, IL
$88,700
$8,700 more needed in Springfield

Formula: salary × (92.7 ÷ 83.6) = salary × 1.1089. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Monroe, LA

Median Home Price
$157,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,100
Housing Index
42.8
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.9×

Springfield, IL

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

Springfield has 67.3% higher housing costs compared to Monroe.

Income & Job Market

Monroe, LA

Median Household Income
$50,300
Per Capita Income
$28,700
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
Population
47,252
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingGovernmentRetail

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).

Monroe, LA
3.8×income-to-rent ratio

74% 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.