Moving from Flagstaff to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 102 for Flagstaff (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Flagstaff lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Flagstaff | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,392 |
| $50K | $50,490 |
| $60K | $60,588 |
| $75K | $75,735 |
| $80K | $80,784 |
| $100K | $100,980 |
| $120K | $121,176 |
| $150K | $151,471 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Flagstaff vs Tempe
| Expense | Flagstaff | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $384 | $380 |
| Transport | $45 | $55 |
| Utilities | $195 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,245 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Flagstaff?
No. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 102 for Flagstaff (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Flagstaff to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Flagstaff to Tempe could save roughly $32/month on core expenses. That's ~$384/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Flagstaff lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Flagstaff, you'd need roughly $75,735/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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