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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Tempe is 97% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,623/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 42%
$77,643/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 16%
$421,900 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 63%
$1,554/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $12,106/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Springfield — common questions

Is Tempe or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Springfield?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Springfield?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,106/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Springfield

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces