Median rent is 16% lower in Springfield ($964/mo vs $1,145/mo). Buying is cheaper in Springfield, where the median home runs $177,700 versus $266,200. Households earn more in Tucson ($57,073 vs $49,311 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.9 against 90.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Tucson, AZ.
City A
Springfield, MO
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Springfield, MO?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$74,837
You could earn $163 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Missouri
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 $964/mo compared to $1,145/mo in Tucson (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Tucson: the median home is $266,200 versus $177,700 in Springfield — 33% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Springfield
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tucson
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tucson has cleaner air on average: 26.0 AQI (Good) compared to 41.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Tucson if you prioritize higher median household income ($57,073/yr).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize cheaper rent ($964/mo median).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 26.0).
Is Springfield cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.9 versus 90.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Springfield vs Tucson?
Median rent is $964/mo in Springfield, MO and $1,145/mo in Tucson, AZ. Springfield, MO has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Springfield or Tucson?
Median household income is $49,311 in Springfield, MO and $57,073 in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ 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?
Tucson, AZ has better air quality on average: 26.0 AQI versus 41.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Springfield or Tucson?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
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, MO is equivalent to roughly $99,782 in Tucson, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
