Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Allen, TX (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Tempe is 12% cheaper than Allen.

$1,623/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 16%
$77,643/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 66%
$421,900 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 2%
$1,554/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 34%
186,419
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $51,487/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Allen — common questions

Is Tempe or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Allen?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Allen?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $51,487/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Allen

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago