Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Tempe is 10% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,623/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 11%
$77,643/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 14%
$421,900 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 11%
$1,554/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 5%
186,419
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $10,961/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Tempe or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and West Valley City?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or West Valley City?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $10,961/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and West Valley City

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News West Valley City vs. Columbia West Valley City vs. Hampton West Valley City vs. Warren West Valley City vs. Cedar Rapids West Valley City vs. Orange West Valley City vs. Dayton