Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Tempe, AZ?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.8% of gross income.
Tempe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tempe, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tempe
View full rent data for Tempe, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Tempe, AZ?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,667 a month. A typical carpenter in Arizona earns about $59,112 a year, which makes that rent 33.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Tempe?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Arizona (~$59,112/yr) supports up to $1,478 a month in rent. Tempe's current median rent is $1,667/mo, which is $189/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Tempe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a carpenter in Arizona works roughly 58.7 hours a month to cover Tempe's median rent of $1,667.
Where is rent cheaper than Tempe for a carpenter?
Nearby Arizona cities with lower median rent include Surprise ($1,656/mo), Buckeye ($1,654/mo), Casa Grande ($1,654/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.