Tempe, AZ Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Tempe, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

181,005
Population
$72,022
Median household income
+0% vs tracked median
$382,100
Median home value
+17% vs tracked median
$1,472/mo
Median rent
+5% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Tempe, Arizona is home to roughly 181,005 residents. The typical household earns $72,022 per year — roughly in line with the median across cities we track (+0%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $382,100 (above the multi-city median at +17%), while renters pay a median of $1,472 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Tempe

Median home value is $382,100 and median gross rent is $1,472/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Tempe.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Tempe

Planning a move to Tempe? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Tempe, AZ?
In Tempe, the median home value is $382,100 and median rent is $1,472 per month, against a median household income of $72,022. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Tempe?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,472/month, that implies an income of about $58,880 to keep housing affordable in Tempe.
Is it better to rent or buy in Tempe?
With a median home value of $382,100 and median rent of $1,472/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Tempe depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Tempe to similar cities