Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Phoenix is 82% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,458/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 37%
$77,041/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 40%
$381,900 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 57%
$1,430/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 37%
1,624,832
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $31,057/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Springfield — common questions

Is Phoenix or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Springfield?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Springfield?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $31,057/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Springfield details →

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