Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Tempe, AZ?

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

What salary do I need in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 2.5% cheaper than in Tempe, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ.

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

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

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Tempe, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chandler, AZ area

Current salary in Tempe, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $198/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Phoenix, 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

Median Home:$452K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$414K

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tempe, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Tempe, AZ	Phoenix, 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

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

🏠Housing

↓ 2.5%

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$70.17

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Tempe, AZ

$546

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$14.75

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Tempe, AZ

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

same

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Tempe, AZ

$589

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,620

To$1,390

↓ $230

1 Bed

From$1,760

To$1,510

↓ $250

2 Bed

From$2,045

To$1,750

↓ $295

3 Bed

From$2,725

To$2,330

↓ $395

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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 Phoenix, AZ

$149

Difference

Home Values

Tempe

Phoenix

$452K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +27.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$397K - $701K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 9% less expensive than Tempe

Calculate payment - Tempe Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Phoenix, 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%

Phoenix, 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.