Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Warren, MI (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Tempe is 64% more expensive than Warren.

$1,623/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 27%
$77,643/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↓ 18%
$421,900 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 57%
$1,554/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 29%
186,419
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $13,902/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Warren — common questions

Is Tempe or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Warren?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Warren?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $13,902/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Warren details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Warren

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