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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Torrance

California
218

Tempe is 45% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,623/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 36%
$77,643/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 46%
$421,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 146%
$1,554/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 48%
186,419
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $35,462/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Torrance — common questions

Is Tempe or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Torrance?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Torrance?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $35,462/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Torrance

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco