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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Los Angeles is 56% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,879/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 14%
$80,366/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 3%
$879,500 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 52%
$2,055/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 24%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $2,723/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Tempe — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Tempe?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Tempe?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $2,723/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Tempe details →

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