salaryRent is higher than in 67% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 5.3 years of household income. Most households rent (58%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $78,120 a year. That is $38 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Arizona cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Arizona. It is number 63 of 93 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Tempe with other big cities
Compare Tempe to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Tempe?
Share of households by yearly income. 28.0% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Tempe
| Size | Tempe | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,677 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,667 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,899 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,272 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,857 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Tempe overall?
Everyday prices in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area are 3% above the U.S. average (index 103.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Tempe
Life in Tempe
What jobs pay in Tempe
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $144,490 | 16.2% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,270 | 17.2% |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | 17.3% |
| Physician Assistant | $134,650 | 17.4% |
| Software Developer | $131,750 | 17.8% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,770 | 22.6% |
| Dental Hygienist | $102,520 | 22.9% |
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | 23.2% |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | 23.8% |
| Civil Engineer | $90,330 | 25.9% |
| Police Officer | $85,050 | 27.6% |
| Accountant | $80,820 | 29.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $78,080 | 30.0% |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,590 | 31.4% |
| Plumber | $63,750 | 36.8% |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | 37.9% |
| Electrician | $61,210 | 38.3% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,170 | 38.3% |
| Carpenter | $60,320 | 38.9% |
| Truck Driver | $59,770 | 39.2% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | 39.6% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $47,530 | 49.3% |
| Medical Assistant | $46,830 | 50.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $46,410 | 50.5% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,290 | 51.7% |
| Warehouse Worker | $44,950 | 52.1% |
| Restaurant Cook | $39,170 | 59.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,960 | 65.2% |
| Cashier | $34,920 | 67.1% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Tempe?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $1,207 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $455,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $45,540 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Tempe, AZ?
Renting in Tempe costs a median of about $1,953 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Arizona median is $1,671.
How much do I need to make to live in Tempe?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $78,120 a year, or $38 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Tempe cheap or expensive?
Tempe is rated OK: rent takes 27.3% of the typical household income of $85,917. It ranks 63rd cheapest of 93 Arizona cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Tempe?
The median homeowner in Tempe pays $2,175 a year in property taxes, about 0.48% of the median home value.
Is Tempe more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 3% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Tempe?
The median home value in Tempe is $455,400, about 5.3 times the typical yearly household income.
188,065 people live in Tempe. Numbers are typical (middle) values.