Moving from Irvine to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). You'd pay about 35% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,230/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
158103
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,800$1,600
per month
State tax
9.3%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,159$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Irvine lifestyle
Based on the 35% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Irvine | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,076 |
| $50K | $32,595 |
| $60K | $39,114 |
| $75K | $48,892 |
| $80K | $52,152 |
| $100K | $65,190 |
| $120K | $78,228 |
| $150K | $97,785 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Irvine vs Tempe
| Expense | Irvine | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $429 | $380 |
| Transport | $90 | $55 |
| Utilities | $148 | $210 |
| Internet | $70 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $622 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Irvine?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). That's about 35% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Irvine to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Irvine to Tempe could save roughly $1,230/month on core expenses. That's ~$14,760/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Irvine lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Irvine, you'd need roughly $48,892/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tempe to IrvineIrvine vs Tempe — full comparisonIrvine 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