Moving from Seattle to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 31% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$788/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
150103
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,600
per month
State tax
None2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 31% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,467 |
| $50K | $34,333 |
| $60K | $41,200 |
| $75K | $51,500 |
| $80K | $54,933 |
| $100K | $68,667 |
| $120K | $82,400 |
| $150K | $103,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Tempe
| Expense | Seattle | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $410 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $55 |
| Utilities | $120 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 31% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Tempe could save roughly $788/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,456/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $51,500/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tempe to SeattleSeattle vs Tempe — full comparisonSeattle 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