Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Anaheim is 52% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,082/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 22%
$90,583/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 14%
$771,700 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 45%
$2,165/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 28%
344,553
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $12,940/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Tempe — common questions

Is Anaheim or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Tempe?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Tempe?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $12,940/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Tempe details →

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