Cost of Living: Henderson vs Tempe (2026)
Henderson has a 3% lower overall cost of living than Tempe as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,600/mo in Tempe vs $1,600/mo in Henderson — a 0% difference. Henderson has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Tempe (2.5% rate).
- Henderson is 3% cheaper overall (COL index: 100 vs 103)
- 1BR rent: $1,600/mo in Tempe vs $1,600/mo — 0% savings
- Henderson has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Tempe ($68,000/yr vs $65,000/yr)
- Median home price: $420,000 in Henderson vs $430,000 — 2% difference
| Category | Henderson Nevada | Tempe Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,250Best | $1,250 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,600Best | $1,600 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,100Best | $2,100 |
| Median home price | $420KBest | $430K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 100Best | 100 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $58Best | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55Best | $55 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40 | $3.20Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $152Best | $158 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $168Best | $210 |
| Internet/mo | $65 | $62Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $65K | $68KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 2.5% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.3%Best | 8.6% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $38Best | $40 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 100Best | 103 |
| Walk score / 100 | 30 | 46Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Henderson cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Henderson is 3% cheaper than Tempe based on overall cost of living indices (100 vs 103, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Henderson vs Tempe?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Henderson is $1,600/month and in Tempe is $1,600/month. Henderson is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Tempe to match a $75,000 salary in Henderson?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $77,250/year in Tempe to match a $75,000 salary in Henderson. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Henderson or Tempe?
Henderson has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 2.5%. Henderson has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Henderson to Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Henderson offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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