Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Tempe is 9% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,623/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 9%
$77,643/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 3%
$421,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 8%
$1,554/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 14%
186,419
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $2,292/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Tempe or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $2,292/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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