Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Boston is 47% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,093/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 22%
$94,755/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 18%
$710,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 41%
$2,176/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $17,112/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tempe — common questions

Is Boston or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tempe?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tempe?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $17,112/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Tempe details →

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