Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Tempe is 34% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $49,688 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Tempe scores 100.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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