Lawrence, MA vs Springfield, MA

The cost of living difference between Lawrence, MA and Springfield, MA is dramatic. Springfield is 37.2% cheaper than Lawrence, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lawrence has a cost index of 118 while Springfield sits at 86, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Lawrence is $1,569/month compared to $1,114/month in Springfield — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $222,700 median vs $393,500.

Median household income in Lawrence is $57,903 compared to $51,339 in Springfield (+12.8%). Lawrence does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Lawrence spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 26% in Springfield. The Springfield ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.1°F vs 49.4°F). Springfield receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 40.9" in Lawrence.