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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Sacramento is 10% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,694/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 4%
$83,753/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 7%
$484,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 13%
$1,752/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 11%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $6,110/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Tempe — common questions

Is Sacramento or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Tempe?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Tempe?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $6,110/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Tempe details →

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