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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Huntington Beach is 89% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,424/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 33%
$119,885/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 35%
$1,047,300 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 60%
$2,436/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 36%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $42,242/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Tempe — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Tempe?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Tempe?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $42,242/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Tempe details →

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