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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Ventura

California
183

Tempe is 34% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,623/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 29%
$77,643/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 29%
$421,900 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 85%
$1,554/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 36%
186,419
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $22,764/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Ventura — common questions

Is Tempe or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Ventura?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Ventura?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $22,764/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Ventura

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley