Moving from Tampa to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Tampa lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tampa | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,615 |
| $50K | $49,519 |
| $60K | $59,423 |
| $75K | $74,279 |
| $80K | $79,231 |
| $100K | $99,038 |
| $120K | $118,846 |
| $150K | $148,558 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Tampa vs Tempe
| Expense | Tampa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $376 | $380 |
| Transport | $65 | $55 |
| Utilities | $195 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,040 | $2,277 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $394 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Tampa — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Tampa?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tampa to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tampa to Tempe saves roughly $244/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,928/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Tampa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tampa, you'd need roughly $74,279/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