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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Tempe is 52% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,623/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 26%
$77,643/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 16%
$421,900 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 49%
$1,554/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 25%
186,419
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $12,116/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Tyler — common questions

Is Tempe or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Tyler?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Tyler?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $12,116/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Tyler details →

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