Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Tempe is 34% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,623/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 41%
$77,643/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 41%
$421,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 65%
$1,554/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 50%
186,419
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $31,868/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Tempe or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $31,868/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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