Cost of Living in Tempe, AZ - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,230 (excluding rent), and $3,100 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,507 (excluding rent), and $4,855 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19 $19

$9.91 $9.91

$39.64 $39.64

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$81.5 $81.5

$45.84 $45.84

$127 $127

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.08 $12.08

$9.06 $9.06

$14.6 $14.6

Cappuccino

$5.55 $5.55

$3.34 $3.34

$8.23 $8.23

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.67 $2.67

$1.98 $1.98

$3.96 $3.96

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.24 $2.24

$1.53 $1.53

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.88 $5.88

$3.92 $3.92

$6.86 $6.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.05 $7.05

$5.04 $5.04

$9.07 $9.07

Milk (1 liter)

$0.9 $0.9

$0.65 $0.65

$1.12 $1.12

White Bread (500g)

$4.13 $4.13

$2.16 $2.16

$5.99 $5.99

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.1 $5.1

$2.06 $2.06

$8.68 $8.68

Eggs

$4.79 $4.79

$2 $2

$5.99 $5.99

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.12 $11.12

$5.67 $5.67

$15.62 $15.62

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.99 $11.99

$5.57 $5.57

$22.38 $22.38

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.91 $14.91

$8.66 $8.66

$19.88 $19.88

Apples (1kg)

$4.95 $4.95

$2.17 $2.17

$8.93 $8.93

Banana (1kg)

$1.41 $1.41

$1.05 $1.05

$3.42 $3.42

Oranges (1kg)

$3.91 $3.91

$2.14 $2.14

$8.65 $8.65

Tomato (1kg)

$5.03 $5.03

$1.78 $1.78

$10.02 $10.02

Potato (1kg)

$2.5 $2.5

$1.56 $1.56

$3.39 $3.39

Onion (1kg)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.29 $1.29

$4.31 $4.31

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.22 $1.22

$2.53 $2.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

$0.97 $0.97

$3.44 $3.44

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.3 $10.3

$7.85 $7.85

$11.78 $11.78

Wine (Bottle)

$14.99 $14.99

$7.99 $7.99

$19.98 $19.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.77 $1.77

$2.93 $2.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.33 $3.33

$1.46 $1.46

$7.29 $7.29

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.01 $1.01

$2.03 $2.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$60.5 $60.5

$59.6 $59.6

$61.5 $61.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.76 $2.76

$5.02 $5.02

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.39 $1.39

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$35.53 $35.53

$64.2 $64.2

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.83 $0.83

$1.11 $1.11

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31K $31K

$23.3K $23.3K

$36.2K $36.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.7K $26.7K

$24.5K $24.5K

$28.1K $28.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$252 $252

$138 $138

$490 $490

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$70.7 $70.7

$25.26 $25.26

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$83.2 $83.2

$49.57 $49.57

$129 $129

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.53 $29.53

$24.61 $24.61

$34.45 $34.45

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.91 $14.91

Cinema Ticket

$12.78 $12.78

$8.84 $8.84

$19.67 $19.67

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,094 $1,094

$702 $702

$1,403 $1,403

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$15.4K $15.4K

$9,106 $9,106

$29.7K $29.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56.1 $56.1

$25.19 $25.19

$80.6 $80.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.95 $40.95

$23.39 $23.39

$54.7 $54.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.3 $88.3

$50.2 $50.2

$120 $120

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$105 $105

$50.1 $50.1

$150 $150

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,874 $1,874

$1,676 $1,676

$2,071 $2,071

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,768 $1,768

$1,616 $1,616

$2,071 $2,071

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,493 $2,493

$1,018 $1,018

$3,257 $3,257

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,869 $1,869

$901 $901

$2,503 $2,503

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,881 $3,881

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.54

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Tempe, AZ - Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe offers a practical balance for short stays and longer assignments. The Cost of Living in Tempe, AZ, United States sits mid-range within the Phoenix metro, with value concentrated in neighborhoods that are well connected to ASU and light-rail lines. Expect cheaper options when you share an apartment or choose utilities and amenities thoughtfully, and be prepared for higher costs in tightly knit, walkable cores or near campus events. For digital nomads, reliable coworking, familiar food options, and a predictable routine boost value. Seasonal heat influences energy use and outdoor plans, so plan flexible days. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods by transit and walkability to gauge value.

Daily life in Tempe centers on accessibility and variety. Housing search opportunities cluster near ASU, along the light-rail corridor, or in quieter north Tempe; compare options by commute, noise, and common-area features rather than just price. Grocery stores, casual eateries, and coffee shops are plentiful, with many affordable options for regular meals. Transport is practical: a ride on Valley Metro Light Rail or bikes can cover most commutes, and campus shuttles help during busy weeks. Errands become smoother with nearby markets and delivery services. Understanding Tempe, AZ, United States living cost helps you compare neighborhoods and plan weekly budgets. Tip: Use transit apps to map your routes and save time.

Quality of life in Tempe rewards those who balance outdoor time with work or study, and budget more on housing than on entertainment. Build a simple framework: fixed essentials (housing, utilities, groceries), flexible needs (co-working or gym), and occasional splurges (coffees, weekend outings). Seasonality matters: summer heat can tilt outdoor plans to dawn or dusk and push energy bills higher, while pleasant shoulder seasons invite longer walks and outdoor work. Neighborhood fit matters; choose areas with easy transit if you want to skip car ownership, or pick a car-friendly pocket if you need flexible trips. Tip: Map a two-week itinerary across neighborhoods and transit options to find the best fit for your pace and needs.