Phoenix, AZ vs Tempe, AZ

Phoenix is moderately more affordable than Tempe, with a 6.9% lower cost of living index. Phoenix scores 112 compared to 120 for Tempe, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Tempe can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month compared to $1,623/month in Tempe — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Phoenix is more affordable at $381,900 median vs $421,900.

Median household income in Phoenix is $77,041 compared to $77,643 in Tempe (-0.8%). Tempe does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Phoenix spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Tempe.