Moving from Washington to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 33% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Washington lifestyle
Based on the 33% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Washington | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,928 |
| $50K | $33,660 |
| $60K | $40,392 |
| $75K | $50,490 |
| $80K | $53,856 |
| $100K | $67,320 |
| $120K | $80,784 |
| $150K | $100,980 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Washington vs Tempe
| Expense | Washington | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $3,100 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $422 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $55 |
| Utilities | $190 | $210 |
| Internet | $75 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $491 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Washington?
Yes. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). That's about 33% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Washington to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Washington to Tempe could save roughly $1,580/month on core expenses. That's ~$18,960/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Washington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Washington, you'd need roughly $50,490/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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