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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Tempe is 6% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,623/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 12%
$77,643/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 24%
$421,900 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 4%
$1,554/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 16%
186,419
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $18,614/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Richardson — common questions

Is Tempe or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Richardson?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Richardson?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $18,614/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater