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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Tucson is 25% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,079/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 12%
$54,546/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 20%
$242,200 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 36%
$1,076/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 9%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $10,991/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Springfield — common questions

Is Tucson or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Springfield?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Springfield?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $10,991/year higher in Springfield.
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 Tucson or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tucson and Springfield

Tucson vs. Fresno Tucson vs. Sacramento Tucson vs. Albuquerque Tucson vs. Kansas City Tucson vs. Milwaukee Tucson vs. Mesa Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces