salaryTempe is 8% 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
$3,011
$1,953
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$1,899
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$85,917
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$455,400
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$2,175
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$146
👥 People living there
1,389,526
188,065
Commute to work
23.5 min
20.9 min
College degree
51%
50%
Own their home
47.3%
42.3%
Below poverty line
11%
15.8%
Unemployment
6%
5.5%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Tempe for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Diego | Tempe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,000 | $59,180 | -39% in Tempe |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,850 | $47,530 | +33% in Tempe |
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | $100,830 | -28% in Tempe |
| Lawyer | $178,220 | $135,670 | -24% in Tempe |
| Police Officer | $110,400 | $85,050 | -23% in Tempe |
| Electrician | $76,160 | $61,210 | -20% in Tempe |
| Software Developer | $163,270 | $131,750 | -19% in Tempe |
| Physician Assistant | $165,160 | $134,650 | -18% in Tempe |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Tempe is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,953 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $55,404 a year gives the same standard of living in Tempe.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or Tempe?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $85,917 in Tempe, 36% more in San Diego.