Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Everett, WA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Tempe is 12% cheaper than Everett.

$1,623/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 3%
$77,643/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 5%
$421,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 26%
$1,554/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 12%
186,419
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $3,859/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Everett — common questions

Is Tempe or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Everett?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Everett?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $3,859/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Everett details →

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