Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Tempe is 52% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,623/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 22%
$77,643/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 16%
$421,900 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 51%
$1,554/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 24%
186,419
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $12,451/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Tempe or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Dearborn?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Dearborn?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $12,451/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Dearborn

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa