Moving from Scottsdale to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 117 for Scottsdale (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Scottsdale lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Scottsdale | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,214 |
| $50K | $44,017 |
| $60K | $52,821 |
| $75K | $66,026 |
| $80K | $70,427 |
| $100K | $88,034 |
| $120K | $105,641 |
| $150K | $132,051 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Scottsdale vs Tempe
| Expense | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $395 | $380 |
| Transport | $50 | $55 |
| Utilities | $215 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,859 | $2,277 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $418 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Scottsdale — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Scottsdale?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 117 for Scottsdale (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Scottsdale to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Scottsdale to Tempe saves roughly $400/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,800/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Scottsdale lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Scottsdale, you'd need roughly $66,026/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only