Moving from Tempe to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 87 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$439/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10387
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,250
per month
State tax
2.5%6.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,353
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,786 |
| $50K | $42,233 |
| $60K | $50,680 |
| $75K | $63,350 |
| $80K | $67,573 |
| $100K | $84,466 |
| $120K | $101,359 |
| $150K | $126,699 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs Columbia
| Expense | Tempe | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $380 | $361 |
| Transport | $55 | $45 |
| Utilities | $210 | $152 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $2,485 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 87 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Columbia could save roughly $439/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,268/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $63,350/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to TempeTempe vs Columbia — full comparisonTempe cost of livingColumbia 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