Tempe is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tempe to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,953
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,899
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$85,917
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$455,400
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$2,175
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$146
👥 People living there
666,442
188,065
Commute to work
30.3 min
20.9 min
College degree
54.9%
50%
Own their home
35.7%
42.3%
Below poverty line
16.6%
15.8%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.5%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Tempe for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Tempe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $59,180 | -40% in Tempe |
| Plumber | $96,760 | $63,750 | -34% in Tempe |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $74,590 | -27% in Tempe |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $98,610 | -26% in Tempe |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $135,670 | -26% in Tempe |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $61,210 | -23% in Tempe |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $61,170 | -22% in Tempe |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $47,530 | +21% in Tempe |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Tempe is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,953 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $57,257 a year gives the same standard of living in Tempe.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Tempe?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $85,917 in Tempe, 22% more in Boston.