$40K in Scottsdale = $35,214 in Tempe
Your $40K salary in Scottsdale (COL 117) has the same purchasing power as $35,214 in Tempe (COL 103). Tempe is cheaper — your money goes 12% further there.
Budget breakdown — $40K in both cities
What $40K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Scottsdale $40K | Tempe $40K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $2,645 | $2,645 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $395 | $380 |
| Transport | $50 | $55 |
| Utilities | $215 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | -$80/month | $338/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $40K in Scottsdale equivalent to in Tempe?
$40K in Scottsdale (COL index 117) has the same purchasing power as $35,214 in Tempe (COL index 103). That's 12% less than your current salary.
If I move from Scottsdale to Tempe keeping my $40K salary, will I be better off?
Yes. If you keep earning $40K after moving to Tempe, you'd have $418 more per month after core expenses — because Tempe is cheaper than Scottsdale.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $40K × (103 ÷ 117) = $35,214. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Scottsdale to Tempe
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only