Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Chandler is 12% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,806/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 10%
$103,691/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 25%
$469,800 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 10%
$1,743/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 11%
278,123
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $26,048/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Tempe — common questions

Is Chandler or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Tempe?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Tempe?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $26,048/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Tempe details →

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