Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Tempe is 61% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,623/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 84%
$77,643/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 124%
$421,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 262%
$1,554/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 96%
186,419
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,362/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $16,344/year.

Median household income is $96,027/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Tempe or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,362/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $96,027/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Santa Clara

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville