Normal, IL vs Springfield, IL

Springfield is moderately more affordable than Normal, with a 6.9% lower cost of living index. Normal scores 78 compared to 73 for Springfield, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Normal can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Normal is $974/month compared to $945/month in Springfield — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $199,900.

Median household income in Normal is $66,350 compared to $65,537 in Springfield (+1.2%). Normal 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 Normal spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in Springfield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.7°F vs 54°F). Springfield receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 37.6" in Normal.