Springfield, Ohio Cost of Living Explained: What Residents Should Expect

Springfield is a charming city in Ohio that still carries the small town feel and historic character that shaped it. Its location between the larger cities of Dayton and Columbus provides easy access to big-city amenities while still allowing you to enjoy a quieter lifestyle. Springfield is the seat of Clark County and has plenty to offer on its own such as its family-oriented neighborhoods, convenient access to major cities, and most of all, its overall affordability.

With roughly 58,000 residents and around 40 neighborhoods, Springfield’s real estate market has remained steady. More people continue to take an interest in the area as they look to enjoy Springfield’s beautiful nature trails, parks, and relaxed lifestyle. Its affordable cost of living and welcoming community make it an appealing choice for both homeowners and new residents looking to settle.  Many local homeowners also turn to Comfort Living Buys Houses in Springfield, OH when they want a simple, stress-free way to sell their property.

Average Cost Of Living In Springfield, OH

Many people are considering a move to Springfield because of its significantly lower cost of living compared to both state and national averages. 

To illustrate, a single person living in Ohio can expect to spend around $2,200 per month on basic expenses. In Springfield, an average family of four typically needs about $4,800 per month to cover housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other essentials. This is quite reasonable, especially since Springfield’s overall cost of living sits around 14% below the national average.  

Estimated Monthly Costs: 

• Single person: about $2,200 per month
• Family of four: about $4,800 per month

These numbers generally align with the area’s income levels. The median household income in Springfield is roughly $45,000 per year, which is lower than both the Ohio statewide median of about $66,000 and the national median of approximately $78,000. While incomes are lower, the reduced living costs help balance things out. This makes Springfield an affordable place for families, retirees, and individuals looking to stretch their budget further. 

Springfield’s affordability, combined with its steady housing market and small-town charm, continues to draw in new residents who want a manageable cost of living without sacrificing quality of life, making Springfield, OH Property Managers an increasingly important resource for both new and experienced rental property owners.

Cost of Living Breakdown in Springfield, OH

Let’s break down what makes up the average cost of living in Springfield to get a clearer idea of what to expect to spend before making the move. These numbers reflect the average household costs and focus mainly on essential expenses such as housing, utilities, and basic needs. Everyone spends differently, and many people may have additional costs depending on their lifestyles, but this serves as a helpful baseline to estimate your monthly budget before packing your bags to relocate.

Housing Costs

Housing in Springfield is relatively affordable, which makes it a great place to consider if you are thinking about  becoming a homeowner. Springfield’s housing market is about 52% less expensive than the national average of $439,846, with local home prices going for around $210,000. At this price point, you can typically find a single family home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms in or near the downtown area. That means you are close enough to enjoy local shops, restaurants, and participate in events while still having a quiet place to come home to. It is an appealing deal, especially since smaller or older homes often sell for even less. 

If you are not quite ready to buy, renting in Springfield is also budget friendly. Some locals may argue that owning could be cheaper in the long run, but renting still gives you flexibility without a large upfront investment. The median rent in Springfield generally ranges from about $900 to $1,200, depending on the size, condition, and location of the property. This is still lower than the national median rent of around $1,500, which adds to Springfield’s reputation for affordability. 

Median Housing Costs:

• Single Family Home: about $210,000
• Renting (apartment or home): about $900 to $1,200 per month

Overall, whether you want to purchase your first home or start by renting first, Springfield offers several options that can fit a wide range of budgets. For homeowners who already live here and are thinking about selling, working with we buy houses in Springfield, OH services can be a fast and convenient option, especially if you want to avoid repairs or lengthy listings. 

Food and Groceries 

When it comes to food and groceries, newcomers to Springfield will not see a major change in their monthly expenses. Grocery prices in Springfield are fairly comparable to the rest of Ohio and close to the national average. A single person typically spends around $350 to $500 per month on groceries, while a family of four usually budgets around $1,300 per month. So whether you are moving from another city in Ohio or from out of state, your food budget should feel familiar and manageable. 

Estimated Prices of Common Grocery Items:

• Milk (1 liter): about $0.79
• Loaf of white bread (500g): about $2.58
• Eggs (12 regular): about $2.63
• Chicken fillets (1kg): about $12.58​
• Apples (1kg): about $5.36

Springfield also has a good mix of local restaurants, fast food spots and casual dining options, so eating out is generally affordable, with most meals ranging from $15 to $60 depending on the restaurant and what you order. Whether you want a quick bite or a nice sit-down dinner, there are plenty of choices that fit different budgets.  

Food costs in Springfield stay within a very reasonable range, making day-to-day living comfortable for both individuals and families. 

Basic Utilities 

Basic utilities in Springfield generally cost between $200 and $450 per month, depending on the size of the home, the season, and personal usage. This is about 10% to 20% lower than the national average, making it easier for households to manage monthly expenses. These utilities typically include electricity, heating, cooling, water, trash collection and other essentials. 

Of course, we can’t forget that the internet and phone bills are also essential in today’s world, especially for those who work from home or rely on digital connectivity for school or business. These services should be included in your monthly budget as well. 

Estimated Monthly Utility Costs in Springfield:

• Electricity: about $185 per month
• Water and Sewer: about $18 per month
• Gas: about $112 per month
• Internet: about $71 per month
• Phone service: about $119 per month

Water costs in Springfield are particularly affordable. The average household spends roughly $215 per year on water, which is noticeably lower than the national average of about $481 per year. 

With utility expenses staying on the lower side, residents in Springfield benefit from manageable monthly costs, making the city an appealing choice for anyone looking for affordability and practical living. 

Healthcare 

Healthcare costs in Springfield can vary depending on your insurance plan, coverage level, and whether your employer provides benefits or you purchase insurance privately. On average, healthcare expenses in Springfield range from $130 to $400 per month, making them roughly 12% lower than the national average. 

Estimated Healthcare Costs in Springfield:

• Doctor Visits: about $104 per visit
• Dental Visits: about $118 per visit 

Springfield has several medical clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals that offer a range of services, so residents have plenty of options for routine care and emergencies. Prescription costs and specialist visits will vary based on coverage and provider, but in general, Springfield remains on the more affordable side compared to many cities across the country. 

If you are moving to the area, it is a good idea to review your insurance options, compare local providers, and factor monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses into your budget to get a clearer picture of your total healthcare costs. 

Transportation 

Springfield is a largely car-dependent city, so a large portion of your transportation budget will likely go toward fuel, especially if you commute to nearby cities like Dayton or Columbus. Gas prices in Springfield are slightly lower than the national average, and costs for vehicle maintenance. Repairs and registration are generally similar to what you would find across the United States. 

Springfield does offer public transportation through the Springfield City Area Transit (SCAT) system. However, routes and schedules are limited, so relying on it as your primary form of transportation can be inconvenient for many residents. 

Estimated Transportation Costs: 

• Gas: about $2.85 per gallon
• Public transportation: about $35 for a monthly pass
• Oil change: about $35 to $80

For those who enjoy walking or biking, Springfield has several trails and pathways that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors. These are great exercises, leisurely rides, or quick trips to nearby restaurants, parks and entertainment. However, they do not cover enough of the city to replace a car entirely, if you plan on moving to Springfield, having a vehicle will still be essential for daily errands, commuting, and getting around comfortably. 

Taxes 

When it comes to taxes in Springfield, there are a few things new homeowners and residents should keep in mind, with the biggest being the property tax. Springfield has an effective property tax rate of 1.21%, which is a bit higher than the national median of 1.02%. However, because home prices in Springfield are much more affordable than in many other cities, the actual amount you pay ends up being similar or even lower in places with cheaper tax rates but more expensive homes.  

The current median home price in Springfield is around $210,000. So if you purchase a home in this range, you can expect to pay about $2,541 per year in property taxes. This is very close to Ohio’s median property tax amount of roughly $2,400, even though Springfield’s tax rate is slightly higher. 

Another tax to keep in mind is the local sales tax. Luckily, Springfield does not add an extra city tax on top of what you already pay. Springfield shoppers will pay a combined 7.25% sales tax, which includes the state’s 5.75% tax and the county’s 1.5% tax. This applies to most purchases, so it is good to keep it in mind when budgeting for everyday expenses. If you’re planning a move or need to sell quickly, learning how our process works can help you decide your next steps with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Springfield, Ohio Cost of Living

Springfield is a great place to live for starting families, aspiring homeowners, or anyone hoping to settle in an affordable city without sacrificing comfort or quality of life. It offers a rare balance of reasonable living costs, steady housing options, friendly neighborhoods, and access to both a small-city atmosphere and nearby big-city conveniences. Homeowners in surrounding areas looking to relocate or downsize can also explore options to sell your house fast for cash in Troy, Ohio, making transitions smoother and less stressful. It’s a place where your money goes further, your daily life stays simple, and you can build a lifestyle that suits your pace and priorities. 

So, if you’re considering the big move to lovely Springfield, you can sell your property to us!

At Comfort Living Buys Houses, we purchase all types of houses, even problem properties and fixer-uppers at a fair and competitive price! Homeowners appreciate how quickly we can close, often in as little as 7 days, thanks to our simple and streamlined process. We buy houses as-is for cash, which means once the paperwork is signed, you do not need to clean out old furniture, patch holes, or worry about repairs–we handle everything for you. 

Get your no-obligation and competitive cash offer today by contacting us at [number] or filling out the short form below. We look forward to helping you sell your home hassle-free and stress-free.