Moving from Tempe to Lafayette (2026)
Lafayette has a COL index of 85 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$538/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10385
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,100
per month
State tax
2.5%4.3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,472
per month
Salary needed in Lafayette to match your Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in Lafayette |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,010 |
| $50K | $41,262 |
| $60K | $49,515 |
| $75K | $61,893 |
| $80K | $66,019 |
| $100K | $82,524 |
| $120K | $99,029 |
| $150K | $123,786 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs Lafayette
| Expense | Tempe | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,472 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $380 | $361 |
| Transport | $55 | $42 |
| Utilities | $210 | $208 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $2,703 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to Lafayette?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Lafayette could save roughly $538/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,456/year.
What salary do I need in Lafayette to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $61,893/year in Lafayette. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Lafayette to TempeTempe vs Lafayette — full comparisonTempe cost of livingLafayette 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