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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Visalia

California
104

Tempe is 15% more expensive than Visalia.

$1,623/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 14%
$77,643/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 3%
$421,900 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 19%
$1,554/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↓ 3%
186,419
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Visalia, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $2,309/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Visalia — common questions

Is Tempe or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Visalia?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Visalia?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $2,309/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Visalia

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie