City Comparison
Springfield vs Eugene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Eugene scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Springfield
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Springfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
10% lower compared to Eugene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Springfield's average rent is
38% lower than Eugene's.
| Metric | Springfield | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,121 | $1,800 | -38% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,071 | $2,290 | -10% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Springfield offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Springfield | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $67,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $49,311 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Springfield | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Springfield has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Eugene.
Springfield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Springfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Springfield | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
.
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 | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,117 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.16% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 33.7 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $29.3B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Springfield
Advantages
The cost of living in Springfield is 8-12% below the national average, with significant savings in housing, utilities, and groceries.
Housing is highly affordable, with a median home value of $208,223 in 2026, making homeownership more accessible.
The average commute time is short, at just 16 minutes, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Springfield has a diversified and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare and manufacturing.
The city is a regional healthcare hub with highly-rated hospitals like Mercy Hospital Springfield, which received a Leapfrog A rating in 2024 and 2025.
Drawbacks
Healthcare costs in Springfield are reported to be 6-11.5% above the national average.
The median household income of $49,311 (2024) is lower than the national median.
Springfield received a low safety score of 26 out of 100 in Livability's 2026 ranking.
The city experiences varied and sometimes extreme weather, including muggy summers and cold, snowy winters.
While a regional hub, the city's population diversity is lower compared to many other U.S. cities.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Springfield
#128Missouri, USA
49.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,121
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.16%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
78
Business
68
Eugene
#33Oregon, USA
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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