Moving from San Diego to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your San Diego lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Diego | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,838 |
| $50K | $34,797 |
| $60K | $41,757 |
| $75K | $52,196 |
| $80K | $55,676 |
| $100K | $69,595 |
| $120K | $83,514 |
| $150K | $104,392 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Diego vs Tempe
| Expense | San Diego | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $414 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $55 |
| Utilities | $130 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $850 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than San Diego?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Diego to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Diego to Tempe could save roughly $1,002/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,024/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my San Diego lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Diego, you'd need roughly $52,196/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