Is Denton, TX cheaper than Tempe, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Denton, TX is 0.1% cheaper than Tempe, AZ. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Denton, TX to live like I do in Tempe, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Tempe, AZ, you'd need approximately $149,931.006 in Denton, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tempe, AZ and Denton, TX?

Housing in Denton, TX is 16.6% cheaper than in Tempe, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,567/month in Denton, TX compared to $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tempe, AZ to Denton, TX?

Moving from Tempe, AZ to Denton, TX could save you approximately $6 per month, or $69 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tempe, AZ vs Denton, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Tempe, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $5.75/month moving to Denton, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.9K in Denton, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$5.75

Savings

Annual Impact

$68.99

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Tempe, AZ

Population:190K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$452K

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$354K

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 190K residents.

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tempe, AZ vs Denton, TX

Category	Tempe, AZ	Denton, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,859/mo	$2,384/mo	↓ $475less	16.6%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,297/mo	↓ $192less	12.9%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,924/mo	↑ $149more	8.4%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.13more	7.3%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.61more	2.0%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$563/mo	↑ $16.18more	3.0%

Housing

↓ 16.6%

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Denton, TX

$2,384

Difference

$475

less

Transportation

↓ 12.9%

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Denton, TX

$1,297

Difference

$192

less

Other

↑ 8.4%

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Denton, TX

$1,924

Difference

$149

Healthcare

↑ 7.3%

Tempe, AZ

$589

Denton, TX

$632

Difference

$43.13

Groceries

↑ 2.0%

Tempe, AZ

$959

Denton, TX

$979

Difference

$19.61

All Utilities

↑ 3.0%

Tempe, AZ

$546

Denton, TX

$563

Difference

$16.18

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,620

To$1,283

↓ $337

1 Bed

From$1,760

To$1,338

↓ $422

2 Bed

From$2,045

To$1,567

↓ $478

3 Bed

From$2,725

To$1,970

↓ $755

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/mo

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,216

Monthly in Tempe, AZ

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$439

Difference

Home Values

Tempe

Denton

$452K

Median Value

$354K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +27.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.4%

$397K - $701K

Price Range

$273K - $402K

Homes in Denton are 22% less expensive than Tempe

Calculate payment - Tempe Calculate payment - Denton

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Tempe, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Denton, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Tempe, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Denton, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.