Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Tempe is 10% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,623/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 12%
$77,643/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 12%
$421,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 45%
$1,554/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 6%
186,419
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $9,265/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Tempe or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $9,265/year higher in Tempe.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and East Los Angeles

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo