Moving from Sacramento to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Sacramento lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Sacramento | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,441 |
| $50K | $40,551 |
| $60K | $48,661 |
| $75K | $60,827 |
| $80K | $64,882 |
| $100K | $81,102 |
| $120K | $97,323 |
| $150K | $121,654 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Sacramento vs Tempe
| Expense | Sacramento | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $403 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $55 |
| Utilities | $150 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,441 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Sacramento?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Sacramento to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Sacramento to Tempe could save roughly $411/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,932/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Sacramento lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Sacramento, you'd need roughly $60,827/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