Springfield vs Tempe

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Springfield has the same purchasing power as $94,643 in Tempe.

Conversely, $75,000 in Tempe equals $59,434 in Springfield.

Living in Springfield vs Tempe

Housing Costs

Springfield's housing index of 67 is lower Tempe's 114, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $400,000. The $175,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,376 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Springfield compared to $1,600/mo in Tempe, a monthly difference of $650.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 94 in Springfield and 100 in Tempe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $447/month in Springfield vs $475/month in Tempe. Springfield offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 79 in Springfield and 96 in Tempe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $316 in Springfield vs $384 in Tempe. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 116 in Springfield and 95 in Tempe. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 21-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $46,000 in Springfield and $56,068 in Tempe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,762 and $52,894 respectively. Springfield residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,073/month to housing in Springfield vs $1,308/month in Tempe. In Springfield, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Tempe, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 47 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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