Phoenix, AZ vs Tempe, AZ
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Tempe
68.3
#1328 nationally
Tempe leads in walk score (54 vs 41). Tempe leads in average commute (21.5 min vs 26.7 min). Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 119).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.7 (#1514) | 68.3 (#1328) |
| Population | 1,650,070 | 189,834 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $408,770 | $465,636 |
| Median Household Income | $65,891 | $72,022 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 21.5 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 54 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 12.9 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 119 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | R+3.5 |
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →
D+
68.3 Score
Tempe, AZ
Mid-size Arizona city with community character
Median Home
$465,636
Population
189,834
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
54
Southwest
View Tempe, AZ →