Cost of Living in Springfield, MA

Is it worth moving here?

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Springfield? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,741 per year — combining federal taxes with Massachusetts's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,734/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Springfield metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $38,451, or roughly $3,204 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Springfield metro has a cost of living index of 78.5 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 22% below the national average, Springfield is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Springfield represents approximately 30% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level.

Annual Breakdown

Gross Salary $70,000
Taxes (Est.) ...
Housing (Rent) -$20,808
Net Income ...

Cost of Living Index

78.5
Cheaper Avg (100) Pricier

Living in Springfield, MA is roughly 22% less expensive than the national average.

Monthly Take-Home

... / mo

Affordability Score

Grade
Rent Burden –%
Affordable (<20%) 30% Rule Stretched (>40%)

K-12 Schools

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Schools 246
Enrollment 99,668
Pupil:Teacher 0:1
Charter 5.6%
Title I 0%

Colleges & Universities

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Institutions 10
Avg In-State $25,720
Avg Out-of-State $27,524
Avg Grad Rate 54.9%
Institution Enrollment In-State Tuition Grad Rate
DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology 28 $0 84.0%
Springfield College 2,785 $42,566 68.0%
College of Our Lady of the Elms 1,332 $40,095 65.0%
Western New England University 3,574 $43,380 64.0%
Bay Path University 2,643 $37,227 57.0%
Westfield State University 4,555 $970 55.0%
American International College 2,142 $41,970 42.0%
Holyoke Community College 3,706 $5,520 32.0%
Springfield Technical Community College 4,561 $600 27.0%
Springfield College-Regional, Online, and Continuing Education 421 $19,152