Tempe, AZ Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 2 Location

Tempe, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Living in Tempe, AZ offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor recreation opportunities with a thriving downtown area and proximity to Arizona State University

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1300/mo
Sales Tax8.1%
COL Index107 (+7% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Tempe
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

SRP (Salt River Project)
🔥 Gas

$30/mo

Southwest Gas
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Tempe Water Services
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

City of Tempe Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms$2200/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate0.81%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The Tempe housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of apartments, single-family homes, and condos available. The city has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by its strong economy and desirable location. As a result, housing prices have increased, but there are still affordable options available for renters and buyers.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

107

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+7% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8.1%
Property Tax Rate0.81%
<p>State 5.6% + County 0.7% + City 1.8%</p>

Arizona has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.54%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
High, with key industries including technology, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Tempe has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and light rail

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Tempe Beach Park
  • 🎯
    Arizona Mills
  • 🎯
    Children's Museum of Phoenix

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Tempe include Downtown Tempe, which offers a mix of apartments and single-family homes, as well as the surrounding suburbs of Kyrene and McClintock. These areas offer easy access to parks, schools, and community amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Tempe based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Local Regulation Notice

Tempe has regulations in place to promote sustainability, including recycling programs and energy-efficient building standards

Relocation Overview

Tempe's economy is driven by a mix of technology, education, and healthcare industries, with major employers including Arizona State University and State Farm. The city is also seeing growth in the startup scene, with a number of incubators and accelerators supporting new businesses.

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📊 Tempe — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Tempe tend to be higher in the summer months due to the need for air conditioning, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% from June to September. In the winter months, utility costs are generally lower, with average bills decreasing by 10-20% from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 0.5 to 1.2, with some local surtaxes applying to specific ZIP codes in Tempe

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and elevators in most public buildings, but some areas with limited stroller accessibility due to construction or lack of infrastructure

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