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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Tempe is 65% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,623/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 89%
$77,643/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 134%
$421,900 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 331%
$1,554/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 94%
186,419
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,442/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $17,304/year.

Median household income is $104,219/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Tempe or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,442/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $104,219/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Sunnyvale

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston