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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Tempe is 52% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,623/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 31%
$77,643/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 40%
$421,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 220%
$1,554/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 51%
186,419
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $30,915/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Tempe or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Berkeley?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Berkeley?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $30,915/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Berkeley

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach