Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Tempe is 20% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $60,227 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maryland salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 172 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $430,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Columbia versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 104 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (101) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $112,738 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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