Mount Prospect, IL vs Springfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Mount Prospect, IL and Springfield, IL is dramatic. Springfield is 51.7% cheaper than Mount Prospect, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Mount Prospect has a cost index of 111 while Springfield sits at 73, 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 Mount Prospect is $1,454/month compared to $945/month in Springfield — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $377,000.

Median household income in Mount Prospect is $103,911 compared to $65,537 in Springfield (+58.6%). While Mount Prospect is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mount Prospect spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.3% in Springfield.

Climate-wise, Springfield is notably warmer with an average of 54°F compared to 50.8°F in Mount Prospect. Springfield receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 32.3" in Mount Prospect.