Is Glendale, AZ cheaper than Tempe, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Glendale, AZ is 2.6% cheaper than Tempe, AZ. This translates to saving $198 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tempe, AZ, you'd need approximately $147,622.642 in Glendale, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tempe, AZ and Glendale, AZ?

Housing in Glendale, AZ is 2.5% cheaper than in Tempe, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,810/month in Glendale, AZ compared to $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ.

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

Moving from Tempe, AZ to Glendale, AZ could save you approximately $198 per month, or $2377 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tempe, AZ vs Glendale, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $198/month moving to Glendale, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Glendale, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$198

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

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

Glendale, AZ

Population:248K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$398K

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Glendale, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

248K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 248K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tempe, AZ vs Glendale, AZ

Category	Tempe, AZ	Glendale, AZ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $97.09less	5.5%
Housing	$2,859/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $70.17less	2.5%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$561/mo	↑ $14.75more	2.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,489/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↓ 5.5%

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Glendale, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

Housing

↓ 2.5%

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Glendale, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$70.17

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Tempe, AZ

$546

Glendale, AZ

$561

Difference

$14.75

Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Tempe, AZ

$959

Glendale, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Glendale, AZ

$1,489

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Tempe, AZ

$589

Glendale, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,620

To$1,435

↓ $185

1 Bed

From$1,760

To$1,560

↓ $200

2 Bed

From$2,045

To$1,810

↓ $235

3 Bed

From$2,725

To$2,415

↓ $310

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/mo

Glendale, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,160/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

$8,068

Monthly in Glendale, AZ

$149

Difference

Home Values

Tempe

Glendale

$452K

Median Value

$398K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +27.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.3%

$397K - $701K

Price Range

$306K - $532K

Homes in Glendale are 12% less expensive than Tempe

Calculate payment - Tempe Calculate payment - Glendale

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Glendale, 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

Additional Tax Information

Tempe, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Glendale, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.