Rents are 18% below what Tempe's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).
12-month history
Last updated: July 20, 2026
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Who lives here
Tempe, AZ is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, 50% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Tempe, AZ has changed in 5 years
Five years ago, renters in Tempe, AZ paid around $1,394 a month. That figure now sits near $1,667, up 19.6% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Tempe, AZ now reports about $79,663, up from $64,080 in 2021. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. Census counts show Tempe, AZ adding about 9,203 residents over the five-year window, up 5.1% on net. The renter share has eased from 60.4% to 57.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 47.6% to 50% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Tempe, AZ reflects that arc in its own way.
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Can you afford rent in Tempe on your salary?
At $1,667/mo, how Tempe rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Tempe rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Tempe. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Tempe
Last updated: July 20, 2026
The median rent in Tempe is $1,667/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,203/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,533/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,320/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,063/mo.
At 25% of local median household income ($79,663/yr), Tempe ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.6% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe an affordable city for renters?
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What percentage of Tempe residents rent vs. own?
How does Tempe rent compare to the national average?
At $1,667/mo, rent takes ~25% of Tempe's median household income ($79,663/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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