Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Mesa is 75% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,478/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 36%
$78,779/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 17%
$364,300 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 57%
$1,404/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 31%
507,478
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $13,242/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Springfield — common questions

Is Mesa or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Springfield?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Springfield?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $13,242/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces