City Comparison
Springfield vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Springfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Springfield
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Springfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Springfield's average rent is
26% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Springfield | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $950 | +26% |
| Groceries | $400 | $342 | +17% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $110 | $180 | -39% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $200 | +10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,110 | $1,967 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Springfield is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Springfield | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $69,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 74,194 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $66,064 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Springfield runs warmer on average — a 55.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Springfield comes out ahead with 265 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Springfield sees 20.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Springfield | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 265 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Springfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Springfield | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Springfield.
From a growth perspective, Springfield is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Springfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Springfield | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,989 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Springfield
Advantages
Median home values in Springfield are roughly 51% below the national average per U.S. Census Bureau data.
The cost of living sits approximately 7.3% below the national average according to BEA regional price parities.
Springfield offers an average commute time of roughly 20 minutes, significantly shorter than the national average.
The city boasts top-tier regional healthcare facilities, serving as a major medical hub for central Illinois.
Rich historical heritage centered around Abraham Lincoln provides unique cultural tourism and educational assets.
Drawbacks
The city has experienced slight population contractions over recent census estimates due to regional migration patterns.
Certain urban core neighborhoods experience elevated property crime rates relative to suburban boundaries.
Public transit options outside of core bus routes are limited, maintaining a high reliance on personal vehicles.
State-level budget shifts and local tax structures can create periodic fiscal pressures for municipal services.
Winters can bring harsh freezing temperatures and snowfall, requiring active property and roadway maintenance.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Springfield
#390Illinois, USA
58.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,200
Avg Salary
$69,000
Cost Index
93
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
265/yr
Avg Temp
55.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
75
Business
67
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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