Moving from Ann Arbor to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$117/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
105103
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,600
per month
State tax
4.1%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,484$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Ann Arbor lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Ann Arbor | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,238 |
| $50K | $49,048 |
| $60K | $58,857 |
| $75K | $73,571 |
| $80K | $78,476 |
| $100K | $98,095 |
| $120K | $117,714 |
| $150K | $147,143 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Ann Arbor vs Tempe
| Expense | Ann Arbor | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,484 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $384 | $380 |
| Transport | $65 | $55 |
| Utilities | $162 | $210 |
| Internet | $63 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,060 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Ann Arbor?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Ann Arbor to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Ann Arbor to Tempe could save roughly $117/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,404/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Ann Arbor lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Ann Arbor, you'd need roughly $73,571/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tempe to Ann ArborAnn Arbor vs Tempe — full comparisonAnn Arbor cost of livingTempe cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only