Tempe, AZ vs Yuma, AZ

The cost of living difference between Tempe, AZ and Yuma, AZ is dramatic. Yuma is 48.9% cheaper than Tempe, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Tempe has a cost index of 120 while Yuma sits at 81, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month compared to $1,085/month in Yuma — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Yuma is more affordable at $209,100 median vs $421,900.

Median household income in Tempe is $77,643 compared to $62,546 in Yuma (+24.1%). 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 Tempe spend roughly 25.1% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in Yuma.