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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Oakland is 62% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,917/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 15%
$97,369/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 20%
$924,700 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 54%
$2,164/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 28%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $19,726/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Tempe — common questions

Is Oakland or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Tempe?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Tempe?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $19,726/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Tempe

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News