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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Irving is 15% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,517/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 7%
$79,641/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 3%
$287,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 47%
$1,521/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 2%
255,036
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $1,998/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Tempe — common questions

Is Irving or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Tempe?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Tempe?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $1,998/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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.
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