Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Tempe is 97% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,623/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 41%
$77,643/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 24%
$421,900 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 65%
$1,554/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 35%
186,419
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $18,927/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Peoria — common questions

Is Tempe or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Peoria?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Peoria?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $18,927/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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