Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Tempe is 17% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sacramento scores 104 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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