Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Tempe is 17% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,109 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Riverside has a housing index of 155 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Riverside costs $500,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Riverside versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Riverside scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Riverside (102) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Riverside is $67,068 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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