Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Slightly above the national average, a walkable Phoenix-area college town.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 104
Median 2BR rent: $1,900/mo
Housing: 110 vs 100
Groceries: 99 vs 100
Utilities: 113 vs 100
Transportation: 99 vs 100
Healthcare: 98 vs 100
Tempe pairs Arizona State energy, a walkable downtown, and lakeside parks with rent a bit above the Phoenix-area norm. Summer cooling is the main budget variable in the desert heat.