Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Tempe is 50% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,623/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 69%
$77,643/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 63%
$421,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 147%
$1,554/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 69%
186,419
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,119/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $13,428/year.

Median household income is $48,826/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Tempe or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Cambridge?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,119/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Cambridge?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $48,826/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Cambridge details →

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