Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Tempe is 107% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,623/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 40%
$77,643/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 33%
$421,900 ↑ 253%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 72%
$1,554/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 37%
186,419
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $25,473/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Lansing — common questions

Is Tempe or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Lansing?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Lansing?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $25,473/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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