Is Tempe (South) Expensive?

Phoenix, United States

-12% vs Phoenix avg

Living in Tempe (South), Phoenix

Tempe (South) is a relatively affordable area in Phoenix, with a cost of living index of 51.8 — that is -12% compared to the Phoenix average. At #16 of 30, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,276/month, compared to a range of $1,015 in Avondale to $2,030 in Paradise Valley.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Tempe (South), housing takes up roughly 39% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 16%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $51,040 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Tempe (South)

Salaries in Tempe (South) reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 51.8:

After tax and deductions of 21.6% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $51,040 would be roughly $40,015/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

51.8
COLI Index
0.88x
vs City Avg
$1,276
Est. 1BR Rent
#16
of 30 Areas
21.6%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Tempe (South)

Estimated annual deductions on a $38,850 salary in Tempe (South), Phoenix (local employee).

Income Tax
11%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (AZ)
2.5%
Total Deductions: 21.6%
Est. Take-Home: $30,477/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Tempe (South) would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $38,850
London GBP £33,434
Dubai AED AED 194,397

Other Neighborhoods in Phoenix

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Paradise Valley 82.5 1.40x +40%
Scottsdale (Old Town) 76.6 1.30x +30%
Biltmore 75.4 1.28x +28%
Arcadia 73.6 1.25x +25%
Scottsdale (North) 71.9 1.22x +22%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Phoenix →

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Compare Tempe (South)

Tempe (South) vs Paradise Valley Tempe (South) vs Avondale

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Tempe (South):

Smyrna, Atlanta Chamblee, Atlanta Round Rock, Austin Onehunga, Auckland Howick, Auckland Nowon, Seoul

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tempe (South) expensive in Phoenix?

Tempe (South) is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix. It costs about -12% less than the city average, ranking #16 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Tempe (South) compare to the Phoenix average?

The cost of living in Tempe (South) is below the Phoenix average. With a multiplier of 0.88x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -12% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.