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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Tempe and Pearland have a similar cost of living.

$1,623/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 8%
$77,643/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 45%
$421,900 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 22%
$1,554/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 26%
186,419
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $34,827/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Pearland — common questions

Is Tempe or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Pearland?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Pearland?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $34,827/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Pearland details →

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