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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Tempe is 23% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,623/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 24%
$77,643/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 15%
$421,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 32%
$1,554/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 32%
186,419
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $11,853/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Tempe or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Vallejo?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Vallejo?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $11,853/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Vallejo details →

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