Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Springfield is 9% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $68,008 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $290,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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