CostIndexUSA

Philadelphia, PA vs Springfield, MA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

PA
Philadelphia
102.6
overall index
$1,850/mo rent
More AffordableMA
Springfield
96.1
overall index
$1,925/mo rent

Springfield is moderately cheaper than Philadelphia — 6.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Philadelphia, you would need $74,900 in Springfield. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing33.0%
Philadelphia
113.1
Springfield
75.8
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Philadelphia
96.8
Springfield
97
🚗 Transportation1.8%
Philadelphia
108.2
Springfield
106.3
🏥 Healthcare1.8%
Philadelphia
97.9
Springfield
96.1
Utilities+35.5%
Philadelphia
114.4
Springfield
155

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Springfield, MA
$74,900
$5,100 less needed in Springfield

Formula: salary × (96.1 ÷ 102.6) = salary × 0.9366. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Philadelphia, PA

Median Home Price
$374,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,850
Housing Index
113.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.8×

Springfield, MA

Median Home Price
$356,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,925
Housing Index
75.8
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.4×

Philadelphia has 33.0% lower housing costs compared to Springfield.

Income & Job Market

Philadelphia, PA

Median Household Income
$86,900
Per Capita Income
$49,500
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Population
1,603,797
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationFinanceTourismManufacturing

Springfield, MA

Median Household Income
$67,000
Per Capita Income
$38,200
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Population
155,929
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingFinanceGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

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

Philadelphia, PA
3.9×income-to-rent ratio

74% of income left after rent (median)

Springfield, MA
2.9×income-to-rent ratio

66% 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.