Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Tempe is 21% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,623/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 11%
$77,643/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 46%
$421,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 42%
$1,554/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 25%
186,419
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $35,753/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Arvada — common questions

Is Tempe or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Arvada?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Arvada?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $35,753/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Arvada details →

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