Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Reno and Tempe have a similar cost of living.

$1,453/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 12%
$78,448/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 1%
$498,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 15%
$1,482/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 5%
268,959
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $805/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Tempe — common questions

Is Reno or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Tempe?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Tempe?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $805/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Arizona?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

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