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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Fremont is 132% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,905/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 44%
$176,350/yr ↑ 127%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 56%
$1,289,400 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 67%
$3,000/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 48%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,282/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $15,384/year.

Median household income is $98,707/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Tempe — common questions

Is Fremont or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Tempe?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $1,282/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Tempe?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $98,707/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Tempe

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News