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Cost of Living in Tempe

Is it better to rent or buy in Tempe? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$89,440
$1,841/mo

Median in area: $1,841

$458,811

Median in area: $458,811

$91,762

If you Rent

$1,970 /mo
Base Rent$1,841
Est. Utilities$129
% of Income26.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,483

If you Buy

$2,820 /mo
P&I (6.906%)$2,419
Taxes & Ins$272
Est. Utilities$129
% of Income37.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,633

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Tempe?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Tempe. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,970, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,820 per month (a difference of $850).

How much do utilities cost in Tempe?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Tempe is approximately $129. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Tempe?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Tempe without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $78,800 per year.