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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Tempe is 45% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,623/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 19%
$77,643/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 6%
$421,900 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 51%
$1,554/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 19%
186,419
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $4,613/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Odessa — common questions

Is Tempe or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Odessa?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Odessa?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $4,613/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Odessa

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham