Illinois Capital Lands Top 10 Spot for Cost of Living

When you think about cities in the US where your dollar goes furthest, Texas dominates. Then again, you need to add Springfield to the mix, because it just landed in the national top 10 of Niche's new list of cities with the lowest cost of living.

Springfield Lands in National Top 10

The capital of Illinois ranked #8 overall, thanks to cheap housing, lower-cost gas, and groceries. Niche analyzed 229 different US cities, weighing factors such as home value and tax rates, and Springfield scored an A- for affordability.

READ MORE: Most Expensive Spot To Live In Illinois? It’s These 3 Places

How Springfield Compares to Rockford

That said, side by side, Springfield and Rockford do have similar comparisons. While the Forest City is cheaper than the national average, it didn't make the cut. Niche shows that Rockford home values are higher than those in Springfield, but so are the rent, utilities, and groceries.

Jobs and Lifestyle Differences Between Cities

Affordability isn't everything, though, as Rockford brings plenty of its own strengths, including manufacturing jobs and a vibrant art and food scene. Springfield is more government-leaning, with healthcare and education being the backbone of its economy.

READ MORE: 8 Reasons Why Living in Illinois is Ridiculously Underrated

Why Affordability Matters for Illinois Families

Still, though, if you're only talking about a town where you can stretch your paycheck further, Springfield takes the W, and for Illinoisans juggling bills, burgers, and gas prices, that's no small feat.