2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Tempe, AZ vs Tacoma, WA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Tacoma or is it cheaper to live in Tempe?
- Tacoma is 8.6% more expensive than Tempe.

Which city has more affordable housing, Tacoma or Tempe?
- Tacoma housing costs are 7.4% more expensive than Tempe housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Tempe or is Health Care more affordable in Tacoma.
- Health related expenses are 4.5% less in Tacoma.
 Tempe, AZTacoma, WAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock122.7100
 Food & Groceries98.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.3100
 Housing138.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$454,100$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock119.3100
 Miscellaneous105.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Tempe    22 Reviews

Tempe is a very unique case of a College Town that has quickly become a Small College City or a Small City. It used to be where there was small pockets of walkability  More

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Tempe is a small city that definitely has nice areas, nice weather, the people are always good, and it is home of ASU. The Tempe town council has done a good job towards  More

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Over 11 years ago

Lived in Arizona 55 yrs Phoenix /Tempe lost my job and got a offer to keep my job but had to move Fall River MA. I will take the heat over days of cold anytime . January  More

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Reviews for Tacoma    40 Reviews

I've lived in Tacoma for 3.5 years and love it! It's not a perfect city, nowhere is perfect and Tacoma does have its' share of problems, but overall have found T-Town  More

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Over 4 years ago

We LOVE tacoma. Grew up in Seattle, and tacoma is so much better! Easy access to the water, hiking, and Mt Rainier and the Olympics. We love the coffee shops and  More

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Over 5 years ago

Having lived over half my life here I can tell you real friends are few and far between. You will go through many and only have a handful who stick with you. Your  More

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