Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Denton, TX (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Tempe is 20% more expensive than Denton.

$1,623/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 17%
$77,643/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 5%
$421,900 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 23%
$1,554/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 6%
186,419
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $3,924/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Denton — common questions

Is Tempe or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Denton?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Denton?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $3,924/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Denton

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe