Cost of Living: Grand Prairie, TX vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Grand Prairie

Texas
98
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Grand Prairie is 18% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,470/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 10%
$78,889/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 2%
$272,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 55%
$1,480/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 5%
198,564
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Prairie, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Grand Prairie, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $1,246/year higher in Grand Prairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Prairie is $272,200 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Grand Prairie residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Prairie vs Tempe — common questions

Is Grand Prairie or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Prairie and Tempe?
Median rent in Grand Prairie is $1,470/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Prairie or Tempe?
Median household income is $78,889 in Grand Prairie and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $1,246/year higher in Grand Prairie.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Prairie or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,470/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 Grand Prairie details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Prairie and Tempe

Grand Prairie vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Prairie vs. Montgomery Grand Prairie vs. Birmingham Grand Prairie vs. Grand Rapids Grand Prairie vs. Tallahassee Grand Prairie vs. Sioux Falls Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News