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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Concord

California
187

Tempe is 36% cheaper than Concord.

$1,623/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 37%
$77,643/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 41%
$421,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 79%
$1,554/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 47%
186,419
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $31,552/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Concord — common questions

Is Tempe or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Concord?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Concord?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $31,552/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Concord details →

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