Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Tempe, AZ?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.8% of gross income.
Tempe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tempe, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tempe
View full rent data for Tempe, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Tempe, AZ?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,667 a month. A typical firefighter in Arizona earns about $60,926 a year, which makes that rent 32.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Tempe?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Arizona (~$60,926/yr) supports up to $1,523 a month in rent. Tempe's current median rent is $1,667/mo, which is $144/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Tempe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a firefighter in Arizona works roughly 56.9 hours a month to cover Tempe's median rent of $1,667.
Where is rent cheaper than Tempe for a firefighter?
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 firefighter salary.