Cheapest Cities Near Tempe (2026)

Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI25% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $720/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX24% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $650/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS23% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $600/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO23% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $650/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX23% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $650/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN22% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $610/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS22% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $660/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX22% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $550/mo on rent
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Tempe at a glance

103
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,600
1BR rent
per month
$430K
Home price
median
2.5%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Tampa, FLCOL: 104Orlando, FLCOL: 102Durham, NCCOL: 102Flagstaff, AZCOL: 102

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only