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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Tempe is 60% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,623/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 29%
$77,643/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 25%
$421,900 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 54%
$1,554/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 24%
186,419
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $19,304/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Killeen — common questions

Is Tempe or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Killeen?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Killeen?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $19,304/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Killeen

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale