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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Santa Clarita is 64% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,486/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 35%
$119,926/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 35%
$721,000 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 41%
$2,649/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 41%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $42,283/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Tempe — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Tempe?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Tempe?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $42,283/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Tempe

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