Springfield vs Tempe
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Springfield
Tempe
The Verdict
Tempe is 0.9% less expensive than Springfield overall. A household earning $75,000 in Springfield would need approximately $74,299 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $74,299 in Tempe.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tempe equals $75,708 in Springfield.
Living in Springfield vs Tempe
Housing Costs
Springfield's housing index of 116 is higher Tempe's 114, translating to median home prices of $378,000 vs $400,000. The $22,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,428 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,150/mo in Springfield compared to $1,600/mo in Tempe, a monthly difference of $450.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 101 in Springfield and 100 in Tempe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $480/month in Springfield vs $475/month in Tempe. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 96 in Springfield and 96 in Tempe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $384 in Springfield vs $384 in Tempe. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 102 in Springfield and 95 in Tempe. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $57,600 in Springfield and $56,068 in Tempe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,832 and $52,894 respectively. Springfield residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,344/month to housing in Springfield vs $1,308/month in Tempe. In Springfield, median rent of $1,150/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 Healthcare, where the gap is 7 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases