Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

New York is 38% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,779/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 9%
$79,713/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 3%
$751,700 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 44%
$1,837/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 15%
8,516,202
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $2,070/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Tempe — common questions

Is New York or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Tempe?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Tempe?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $2,070/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Arizona?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Tempe details →

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