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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Corona

California
173

Tempe is 31% cheaper than Corona.

$1,623/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,136/mo ↑ 32%
$77,643/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$106,438/yr ↑ 37%
$421,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$656,500 ↑ 56%
$1,554/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,280/mo ↑ 47%
186,419
Population
158,839

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Corona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $28,795/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $656,500 in Corona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Corona — common questions

Is Tempe or Corona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Corona?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Corona it's $2,136/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Corona?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $106,438 in Corona. Median household income is $28,795/year higher in Corona.
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 Corona?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Corona has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,136/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Corona details →

More Comparisons

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