Moving from Boulder to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$693/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
132103
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,600
per month
State tax
4.4%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,212 |
| $50K | $39,015 |
| $60K | $46,818 |
| $75K | $58,523 |
| $80K | $62,424 |
| $100K | $78,030 |
| $120K | $93,636 |
| $150K | $117,045 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Tempe
| Expense | Boulder | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $414 | $380 |
| Transport | $80 | $55 |
| Utilities | $138 | $210 |
| Internet | $68 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Tempe could save roughly $693/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,316/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $58,523/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tempe to BoulderBoulder vs Tempe — full comparisonBoulder 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