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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Springfield is 52% cheaper than Surprise.

$920/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 108%
$45,984/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 103%
$165,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 140%
$908/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 75%
169,432
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $997/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,964/year.

Median household income is $47,387/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Surprise — common questions

Is Springfield or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Surprise?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $997/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Surprise?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $47,387/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Arizona?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Surprise

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite