Moving. Simplified.
It is a detailed guide on the essential aspects to know about moving to Tempe, Arizona. You will learn about housing rates, educational institutes, taxes, and top attractions in the guide.
Imagine waking up to sunshine almost every day, stepping outside to a city that’s alive with energy, and knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. That’s Tempe for you. It is a place where life feels exciting but never overwhelming. It is a city where warm weather, friendly faces, and endless things to do make every day feel like a fresh start.
Maybe you’re drawn here for work, school, or just a change of pace. Whatever your reason, moving is a big step. It’s not just about finding a new home—it’s about finding a place that feels like home. That’s why getting to know Tempe matters. It is important to understand the cost of living, job market, neighborhoods, and all those little things that turn a city into your city.
We know that change is exciting, but it’s also full of questions. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. Let’s dive into what makes Tempe special.
Tempe combines urban energy with a relaxed desert lifestyle. It's home to Arizona State University and features strong job markets in tech and education. The city has affordable living, vibrant nightlife, and ample outdoor activities. With a young median age and diverse population, it's a welcoming spot for students, professionals, and families.
Tempe offers a balanced cost of living. The median home value is around $421,900, and the average monthly rent is $1,623. Though housing is more expensive than the national average, other costs like transportation and groceries are moderate, making it a relatively affordable place to live in Arizona.
Tempe has a population of about 191,336 residents, with a density of approximately 4,676 people per square mile. The average household consists of 2.3 individuals. The city is diverse, with a youthful median age and various ethnic backgrounds contributing to its cultural richness.
Tempe's compact size and efficient infrastructure contribute to a low average commute time of 21.4 minutes, which is below the U.S. average of 27 minutes.
If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly, here are the latest stats:
Tempe has a desert climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year. July is typically the hottest month, while December and January bring the coolest temperatures. Annual precipitation is low, but summer monsoons can bring sudden rainstorms.
Here are some key climate facts about Tempe:
People are moving to Tempe for its lively atmosphere and job opportunities. The city offers excellent schools, outdoor activities, and a strong economy. It is a great place to call home. Here are the top reasons to move to Tempe.
We at MoverJunction are fully aware that you would want to know the pros and cons of relocating to Tempe. Here is what you should know.
At MoverJunction, we have compiled a list of the best neighborhoods in Tempe. Here is what you should know about the top neighborhoods.
Rank | Neighborhood | Median Home Value |
---|---|---|
1 | Camelot Village | $367,700 |
2 | Raintree | $633,100 |
3 | Tally Ho Farms North | $633,100 |
4 | Broadmor | $370,700 |
5 | Optimist Park SE | $290,600 |
6 | Alta Mira | $350,000 |
7 | The Lakes | $400,000 |
8 | Sandahl | $320,000 |
9 | Estate La Colina | $450,000 |
10 | Dava Lakeshore | $550,000 |
The cost of living in Tempe is 9% higher than the US national average. When relocating to Tempe with your family, you will need to spend $4,816 monthly. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Tempe.
We provide the latest details of the costs here which will also help you realize the amount you would need to shell out here to have a happy life.
Living Expense | Tempe, AZ | Arizona | US National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | 113 | 106.8 | 100 |
Grocery | 97.3 | 96.1 | 100 |
Health | 95.2 | 95.2 | 100 |
Housing | 126.3 | 107.8 | 100 |
Median Home Cost | $426,900 | $407,400 | $338,100 |
Utilities | 100.1 | 102.7 | 100 |
Transportation | 107.0 | 107.0 | 100 |
Miscellaneous | 99.5 | 98.8 | 100 |
Tempe is a vibrant hub for job seekers, especially in the education, health services, and technology sectors. The unemployment rate of the city stood at 2.9% in December 2024, below the national average.
While job growth has moderated, opportunities remain plentiful. Salaries are competitive, and the cost of living is reasonable. Tempe offers a promising landscape to align with your professional aspirations.
Indicator | Tempe, AZ | United States |
---|---|---|
Income per Capita | $42,531 | $37,638 |
Household Income | $91,079 | $69,021 |
Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 6.0% |
Recent Job Growth | 2.9% | -6.18% |
Future Job Growth | 49.9% | 33.5% |
Tempe is growing fast, and so are its job opportunities. The booming economy of the city has created a high demand for skilled professionals across various industries. Healthcare, technology, and construction are among the fastest-growing fields, offering stable employment and strong salaries.
Rank | Job title | % Growth | Average salary |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Information Security Analyst | 33% | $120,360 |
2 | Nurse Practitioner | 46% | $126,260 |
3 | Data Scientist | 36% | $108,020 |
4 | Medical and Health Services Manager | 29% | $110,680 |
5 | Physician Assistant | 28% | $130,020 |
6 | Software Developer | 25% | $124,120 |
7 | Construction Manager | 22% | $98,890 |
8 | Operations Research Analyst | 23% | $83,640 |
9 | Physical Therapist Assistant | 25% | $64,080 |
10 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | 22% | $67,010 |
The economy of Tempe is thriving, with high-paying jobs in healthcare, business, and technology leading the way. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out, these careers offer financial security and room for growth.
Rank | Job title | Average salary | Entry level salary |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Nephrologist | $214,930 | $122,000 |
2 | Physician | $197,000 | $110,000 |
3 | Chief Executive Officer | $185,000 | $95,000 |
4 | Operations Vice President | $179,888 | $98,000 |
5 | Hospitalist | $187,939 | $118,000 |
6 | Chief Technology Officer | $163,483 | $92,000 |
7 | Internal Medicine Physician | $156,942 | $89,000 |
8 | General Internist | $152,236 | $87,000 |
9 | Product Management Director | $143,016 | $90,000 |
10 | Senior Security Architect | $140,709 | $96,000 |
For those landing in Tempe, knowing the major industries provides insight into the local business landscape. Here are some of the major industries in Tempe:
Choosing a company with employee-friendly policies is crucial. Here are the top companies in Tempe known for great work environments and employee satisfaction:
As you approach the final stages of your move, having an idea about average salaries is important for a comfortable life. Here are some informative points related to the average salary and income in Tempe:
The housing market in Tempe is pretty dynamic. You would either have to rent or buy a home while relocating to Tempe. The median cost of buying a home in Tempe is $480,000. Therefore, you would have to pay a premium for buying or renting a house in Tempe.
The home appreciation rate of the city has increased by 6.6%. In Tempe, approximately 59.34% of occupied housing units are renter-occupied, while 40.66% are owner-occupied.
We’ve got a few housing facts that will help you:
Tempe is more than a lively college town—it is a growing city with something for everyone. Renting here means balancing affordability with convenience. There is an option to fit your needs, from cozy studios to spacious family homes.
When considering a move to Tempe, it is important to understand the local tax structure. These taxes will impact your overall budget and help you plan your financial future. Let us take a look at the primary taxes that apply in the city.
Tempe is the kind of place that surprises you. One minute, you are hiking up a mountain for sunrise. In the next moment, you are sipping a craft beer on Mill Avenue listening to live music. There is always something to do, whether you are here for a weekend or forever.
The water reflects the city lights, the sky turns pink and gold, and for a moment, everything feels right.
It is a short but steep hike. Your legs will burn, but the view from the top is worth it.
The Botanical Garden has cacti, wildflowers, and desert landscapes that make you forget you’re minutes from the city.
Broadway hits, concerts, and comedy acts. This theater has seen it all, and so should you.
The place is a perfect mix of old-school charm and modern energy. Come for the food and stay for the vibe here.
The Flame Fire Museum has antique fire trucks, hero stories, and history that make you appreciate the ones who risk it all.
The park features red rock formations, hidden trails, and the kind of quiet that lets you breathe.
Art, music, sports—this campus is alive with creativity and history.
Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks. Watch jellyfish drift and be a kid again at the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.
Local artists, live music, and street food that’s too good to pass up. Twice a year, the whole city shows up at the Tempe Festival of the Arts.
The crime rate in Tempe is 49%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 22.7. The property crime rate of the city stands at 34.16%, which is again higher than the national median of 19. 98% of cities in the United States are safer than Tempe, and more than 18% of residents feel completely safe here. Here are some updated crime stats in Tempe, AZ.
Whether you're still schooling or have school age kids or not, if you're moving to Tempe, you'd most likely be interested in the best schools in the state. Here we've made a list of the best elementary, middle, high, and colleges in Tempe, AZ. Check out the list below:
Tempe Preparatory Academy
1251 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 443 students
Corona del Sol High School
1001 E Knox Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 354 students
Marcos de Niza High School
6000 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 319 students
Tempe High School
1730 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 | Approx. 309 students
Compadre Academy
500 W Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 573 students
Arizona State University (ASU) – Tempe Campus
University of Phoenix – Arizona
Rio Salado College
Brookline College – Tempe
Ward Traditional Academy
1965 E Hermosa Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 998 students
Rover Elementary School
1300 E Watson Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 338 students
Broadmor Elementary School
311 E Aepli Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 356 students
Kyrene de la Mariposa School
50 E Knox Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 476 students
Kyrene de las Manitas School
1201 W Courtney Ln, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 433 students
Fees College Preparatory Middle School
1600 E Watson Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 323 students
Connolly Middle School
2002 E Concorda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 1,065 students
Kyrene Middle School
1050 E Carver Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 665 students
Tempe Academy of International Studies – McKemy Campus
2250 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 432 students
Gililland Middle School
1025 S Beck Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 | Approx. 289 students
Tempe Preparatory Academy
1251 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 443 students
Corona del Sol High School
1001 E Knox Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 354 students
Marcos de Niza High School
6000 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 319 students
Tempe High School
1730 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 | Approx. 309 students
Compadre Academy
500 W Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 573 students
Arizona State University (ASU) – Tempe Campus
University of Phoenix – Arizona
Rio Salado College
Brookline College – Tempe
Ward Traditional Academy
1965 E Hermosa Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 998 students
Rover Elementary School
1300 E Watson Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 338 students
Broadmor Elementary School
311 E Aepli Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 356 students
Kyrene de la Mariposa School
50 E Knox Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 476 students
Kyrene de las Manitas School
1201 W Courtney Ln, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 433 students
Fees College Preparatory Middle School
1600 E Watson Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 | Approx. 323 students
Connolly Middle School
2002 E Concorda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 1,065 students
Kyrene Middle School
1050 E Carver Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284 | Approx. 665 students
Tempe Academy of International Studies – McKemy Campus
2250 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 | Approx. 432 students
Gililland Middle School
1025 S Beck Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 | Approx. 289 students
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