Median rent is 12% lower in Springfield ($945/mo vs $1,079/mo). Buying is cheaper in Springfield, where the median home runs $155,200 versus $242,200. Households earn more in Springfield ($65,537 vs $54,546 a year). Taken together, Springfield is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.0 against 90.6 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Springfield, IL.
Quick verdict
Springfield is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Springfield vs 90.6 in Tucson (US average = 100)
City A
Springfield, IL
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Springfield, IL?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$75,457
You'd need $457 more (1% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Springfield
Illinois
Tucson
Arizona
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Springfield at $945/mo compared to $1,079/mo in Tucson (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Tucson: the median home is $242,200 versus $155,200 in Springfield — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 2.50% in Arizona, so Tucson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.60% in Arizona; Tucson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Springfield
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Tucson
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Air quality data is available for Tucson (avg AQI 38.0) but not yet for Springfield.
Pick Springfield if you prioritize higher median household income ($65,537/yr).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize cheaper rent ($945/mo median).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Springfield cheaper than Tucson?
Springfield is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 90.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Springfield.
How much is rent in Springfield vs Tucson?
Median rent is $945/mo in Springfield, IL and $1,079/mo in Tucson, AZ. Springfield, IL has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Springfield or Tucson?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield, IL and $54,546 in Tucson, AZ. Springfield, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Springfield or Tucson?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Tucson, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Springfield income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Springfield, IL is equivalent to roughly $100,609 in Tucson, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology