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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Surprise is 107% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,917/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 51%
$93,371/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 30%
$396,000 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 61%
$1,587/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 39%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $27,834/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Springfield — common questions

Is Surprise or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Springfield?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Springfield?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $27,834/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Springfield

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces