Moving from Melbourne to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$2,656/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
110 → 103
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600 → $1,600
per month
State tax
45% → 2.5%
income tax
COL difference
110 → 103
6% cheaper
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,455 |
| $50K | $46,818 |
| $60K | $56,182 |
| $75K | $70,227 |
| $80K | $74,909 |
| $100K | $93,636 |
| $120K | $112,364 |
| $150K | $140,455 |
Adjust your salary
Save ~$15/moon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Tempe
| Expense | Melbourne | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $55 |
| Utilities | $130 | $210 |
| Internet | $62 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Tempe saves roughly $2,656/month on core expenses. That's ~$31,872/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $70,227/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Tempe to MelbourneMelbourne vs Tempe — full comparisonMelbourne cost of livingTempe cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only