Scottsdale, AZ vs. Tempe, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Scottsdale vs Tempe. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Scottsdale vs Tempe in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Scottsdale and Tempe. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 | $1,800 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,800 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Tempe. Housing costs are about 15-20% lower in Tempe compared to Scottsdale.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Tempe having a slight edge:
- In Scottsdale, expect to pay around $180/month for basic utilities for a 2BR apartment
- In Tempe, similar utility costs average $160/month
- Both cities have hot summers, so electric bills rise May-September
🏆 Winner: Tempe, but only by about $20/month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Scottsdale and Tempe. Expect to budget around $400/month per person for groceries and household items in either city.
Eating out is also comparable, with a typical meal for two ranging from $40-80 at a mid-range restaurant. Fast food or food truck meals average $10-15 per person in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Groceries and daily expenses are very similar.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes compared to other states. Property taxes are also reasonable:
- In Scottsdale, property taxes average 0.6% of assessed value
- Tempe has a slightly higher average property tax rate of 0.7%
- Sales tax is 7.6% in Scottsdale vs. 8.1% in Tempe
In Scottsdale, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-500/month. Tempe has fewer HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Scottsdale. Lower property and sales tax gives Scottsdale a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 |
| Taxes | $600 | $650 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,560 | $4,170 |
Figures above are estimates for a household with gross monthly income of $8,000. See more [Monthly Budget Examples for Scottsdale Residents](/scottsdale-az/monthly-budget/).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Tempe is more affordable overall, Scottsdale offers more upscale amenities and a resort-like atmosphere. Tradeoffs include:
- Scottsdale has larger luxury homes and manicured lawns, while Tempe offers more urban density and walkability
- Tempe has a younger vibe and easier access to ASU and Phoenix, while Scottsdale feels more suburban
- Tempe averages 2°F cooler than Scottsdale in the summer due to more shade and greenery
7. FAQ
- Is Scottsdale more affordable than Tempe? No, Tempe is about 10% cheaper than Scottsdale overall.
- Which city has lower rent? Tempe rent is around 15% lower than Scottsdale.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Tempe homes cost about 20% less than comparable homes in Scottsdale.
8. Conclusion
Tempe offers a lower cost of living than Scottsdale, primarily due to cheaper housing costs. Tempe is ideal for students, young professionals, and those who prefer a college town feel.
However, Scottsdale’s higher costs come with resort-style perks, upscale shopping and dining, and a more luxury suburban lifestyle. It’s popular with families, retirees, and vacation homeowners.
The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Be sure to check out our full [Cost of Living in Scottsdale (2025 Guide)](/scottsdale-az/cost-overview/) for more details.
Scottsdale, AZ vs. Tempe, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Scottsdale vs Tempe. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Scottsdale vs Tempe in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Scottsdale and Tempe. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 | $1,800 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,800 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Tempe. Housing costs are about 15-20% lower in Tempe compared to Scottsdale.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Tempe having a slight edge:
- In Scottsdale, expect to pay around $180/month for basic utilities for a 2BR apartment
- In Tempe, similar utility costs average $160/month
- Both cities have hot summers, so electric bills rise May-September
🏆 Winner: Tempe, but only by about $20/month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Scottsdale and Tempe. Expect to budget around $400/month per person for groceries and household items in either city.
Eating out is also comparable, with a typical meal for two ranging from $40-80 at a mid-range restaurant. Fast food or food truck meals average $10-15 per person in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Groceries and daily expenses are very similar.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes compared to other states. Property taxes are also reasonable:
- In Scottsdale, property taxes average 0.6% of assessed value
- Tempe has a slightly higher average property tax rate of 0.7%
- Sales tax is 7.6% in Scottsdale vs. 8.1% in Tempe
In Scottsdale, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-500/month. Tempe has fewer HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Scottsdale. Lower property and sales tax gives Scottsdale a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 |
| Taxes | $600 | $650 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,560 | $4,170 |
Figures above are estimates for a household with gross monthly income of $8,000. See more [Monthly Budget Examples for Scottsdale Residents](/scottsdale-az/monthly-budget/).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Tempe is more affordable overall, Scottsdale offers more upscale amenities and a resort-like atmosphere. Tradeoffs include:
- Scottsdale has larger luxury homes and manicured lawns, while Tempe offers more urban density and walkability
- Tempe has a younger vibe and easier access to ASU and Phoenix, while Scottsdale feels more suburban
- Tempe averages 2°F cooler than Scottsdale in the summer due to more shade and greenery
7. FAQ
- Is Scottsdale more affordable than Tempe? No, Tempe is about 10% cheaper than Scottsdale overall.
- Which city has lower rent? Tempe rent is around 15% lower than Scottsdale.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Tempe homes cost about 20% less than comparable homes in Scottsdale.
8. Conclusion
Tempe offers a lower cost of living than Scottsdale, primarily due to cheaper housing costs. Tempe is ideal for students, young professionals, and those who prefer a college town feel.
However, Scottsdale’s higher costs come with resort-style perks, upscale shopping and dining, and a more luxury suburban lifestyle. It’s popular with families, retirees, and vacation homeowners.
The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Be sure to check out our full [Cost of Living in Scottsdale (2025 Guide)](/scottsdale-az/cost-overview/) for more details.