Moving from Raleigh to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,792 |
| $50K | $50,990 |
| $60K | $61,188 |
| $75K | $76,485 |
| $80K | $81,584 |
| $100K | $101,980 |
| $120K | $122,376 |
| $150K | $152,970 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Tempe
| Expense | Raleigh | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $365 | $380 |
| Transport | $70 | $55 |
| Utilities | $150 | $210 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Raleigh?
No. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Tempe saves roughly $225/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,700/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $76,485/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only