Scranton vs Tempe
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Scranton
Tempe
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 15.1%, with Scranton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Scranton has equivalent purchasing power to $88,333 in Tempe.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Scranton has the same purchasing power as $88,333 in Tempe.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tempe equals $63,679 in Scranton.
Living in Scranton vs Tempe
Housing Costs
Scranton's housing index of 65 is lower Tempe's 114, translating to median home prices of $195,000 vs $400,000. The $205,000 difference in home prices means roughly $13,320 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,025/mo in Scranton compared to $1,600/mo in Tempe, a monthly difference of $575.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Scranton and 100 in Tempe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Scranton vs $475/month in Tempe. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Scranton and 96 in Tempe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Scranton vs $384 in Tempe. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 90 in Scranton and 95 in Tempe. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $49,500 in Scranton and $56,068 in Tempe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $55,000 and $52,894 respectively. Scranton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,155/month to housing in Scranton vs $1,308/month in Tempe. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo fits within this budget. In Tempe, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 49 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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