66
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Phoenix wins 1–1 overall (66/100)
💰 Phoenix is more affordable
💼 Tempe has lower unemployment
📋 Phoenix vs Tempe — The Verdict
It's a close call — Phoenix (66.2/100) and Tempe (63.5/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Phoenix has a clear edge with home prices 11% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Phoenix are 11% lower — a difference of $41,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Phoenix saves you $150/month — that's $1,800 per year.
Median Home Value
$340,200
$382,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,322
$1,472
Median Income
$72,092
$72,022
Phoenix edges out Tempe on housing costs by 11%, a difference of $41,900. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
39
38 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
11
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Phoenix to Tempe: Common Questions
Is Phoenix or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Phoenix is more affordable overall. Home prices are $41,900 lower in Phoenix. Monthly rent is $1,322 in Phoenix vs $1,472 in Tempe.
Does Phoenix or Tempe have better weather?
Tempe scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Phoenix or Tempe better for finding a job?
Tempe currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Phoenix vs 4.3% in Tempe. Median household income is $72,092 in Phoenix and $72,022 in Tempe.
Which city is safer — Phoenix or Tempe?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tempe is safer. Phoenix has had 11 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Tempe. Phoenix scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tempe.
Should I move from Phoenix to Tempe?
Based on our data, Phoenix scores 66.2/100 vs Tempe's 63.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Phoenix is more affordable, while Tempe has a better climate.
Planning to move from Phoenix to Tempe?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.