Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Provo, UT (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Tempe is 18% more expensive than Provo.

$1,623/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 29%
$77,643/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 19%
$421,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 4%
$1,554/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 21%
186,419
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $14,843/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Provo — common questions

Is Tempe or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Provo?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Provo?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $14,843/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Provo details →

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