Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Tempe is 17% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,623/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ≈ Same
$77,643/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 5%
$421,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 36%
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ≈ Same
186,419
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,155/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Tempe or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and South Fulton?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or South Fulton?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $4,155/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and South Fulton

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview