Living in Tempe, AZ
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Tempe, AZ? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Tempe, AZ

Abundant amenities – including year-round sunshine – in this city of just over 184,000 is just one of the reasons living in Tempe, AZ, is terrific. Add a robust economy, excellent access to medical care, fabulous outdoor opportunities, a lively downtown district and family-friendly neighborhoods, and you can see why so many are moving to Tempe.

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tempe offers nearby mountains, local lakes and hiking trails for its residents to enjoy. Some of those residents include students who attend Arizona State University, which adds that college-town vibe to the city, not to mention jobs and innovation. 

For fun, locals can choose from all kinds of brew pubs and hip bars to tasty eateries that offer patio dining year-round. The university also provides a calendar of community events, including sporting events, art openings, theater performances and more. The city also puts on a variety of fun festivals, adding to its reputation as a close-knit community. Areas like the more family-friendly neighborhoods of North Tempe and the perfect scene for younger professionals in Tempe Town Lake each fulfill a distinct niche in the area, making it feel like a smaller community and an urban center at the same time. 

Jobs are plentiful, with opportunities in industries such as education, technology, and advanced manufacturing, as well as with large companies such as ASU, State Farm Insurance and Wells Fargo.

Top Reasons to Move to Tempe

• Life is sunny in Tempe, and the city averages more than 300 days of sunshine each year.
• Getting around Tempe is easy, thanks to plenty of bike-friendly paths and an extensive light rail system.
• From hosting Broadway performances at ASU Gammage to annual events, the arts are alive in Tempe.
• Tempe is an innovation hub; the city is home to Arizona State University, and tech companies account for about one-fourth of businesses in town.

Tempe is in the heart of the Phoenix, AZ, metro area, just 5 miles east of downtown, tied together by the bustling arteries of Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 60. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a mere 5 miles west, a major hub buzzing with flights to everywhere from Los Angeles to New York. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:  

• Phoenix is just 5 miles west, where you can explore the Desert Botanical Garden, visit the Heard Museum or catch a Suns game at Chase Field.
• Mesa sits 5 miles east, offering the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History and Usery Mountain Regional Park.
• Chandler is about 10 miles south, known for its lively downtown, the Chandler Museum and the Ostrich Festival.

Thanks to its semi-arid climate, the area has hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters, with mostly clear skies year-round. The city enjoys an average of 300 sunny days per year, and like its neighbors in the Valley of the Sun, summer temperatures frequently top 100 degrees.

A growing economy and employment opportunities in everything from finance and health care to technology and education mean residents can easily make a living in this charming college town. The largest industries contributing to the economy are technology, education and advanced manufacturing, and some of the area’s largest employers are Arizona State University, State Farm Insurance and Wells Fargo.

The cost of living in Tempe is above the national average. The median home value in Tempe is $465,197, and the average household income is $83,353.

Arizona has a state income tax, and Tempe residents can expect a combined 8.1% sales tax rate in 2026.

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There are a ton of things to do in Tempe. The city’s rich arts scene features the ASU Art Museum’s contemporary exhibits, captivating performances at ASU Gammage and the lively Tempe Festival of the Arts. And, if you’re feeling gutsy, the Tempe Center for the Arts is known for having one of the best open mics in the Southwest and hosts a variety of performances. Visitors can also explore the city’s history at the Tempe History Museum or embark on self-guided walking tours to discover public art and historical landmarks. Entertainment options abound, from catching a spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium to enjoying live comedy at the Tempe Improv Comedy Theater. Catch an indie or mainstream film at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, or enjoy one of their film festivals held throughout the year.

Participate in some retail therapy at the unique boutiques of Mill Avenue District or find bargains at Arizona Mills and Tempe Marketplace. The city’s event calendar is consistently full, featuring festivals like 2nd Sundays on Mill and the holiday boat parade on Town Lake, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.

Arizona has amazing activities, and Tempe is no exception. The city boasts numerous parks, including Tempe Beach Park and Kiwanis Park, which offer spaces for relaxation, picnics and various recreational activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, nearby mountains provide opportunities for hiking and biking, with popular spots like “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte), Papago Park Butte Loop and Evelyn Hallman Park offering scenic views and challenging terrain.

Tempe Town Lake is perfect for paddleboarding and boating, and golfers can play at Ken McDonald Golf Course. The Desert Botanical Garden and nearby areas let you explore the desert’s beauty. Air Apparent offers a public art installation best viewed at sunrise or sunset. The city makes it easy to enjoy the Arizona sunshine, whether you like to do outdoor activities.

empe’s dining scene sure is tempting. The craft beer scene is big, with local favorites like Four Peaks and Pedal Haus. It also has a strong presence of international cuisine, with restaurants serving authentic Indian, Ethiopian, Vietnamese and Mexican dishes. For those seeking trendy spots and healthy options, establishments like The Original ChopShop and Morning Squeeze provide fresh juices, protein bowls and brunch favorites.

There are many casual spots, like Casey Moore’s Oyster House and Culinary Dropout, which have small plates and cocktails. For sweets, check out Sweet Republic. Coffee lovers can find expertly brewed specialty drinks at Cartel Coffee Lab and Press Coffee. Whether you want Southwestern food, something new, or a local beer, Tempe’s got you covered.

Tempe is home to Arizona State University, a public institution with a renowned research school. The university attracts around 75,000 students with over 350 programs, ranging from finance and psychology to biology and engineering. Because the school is also known for its Division I athletics programs, you can expect plenty of football, baseball, basketball, golf and soccer fans proudly wearing maroon and gold.

When getting a smart start, residents can take advantage of the Tempe School District and the Tempe Union High School District. There are also plenty of private schools to pick from.