Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Tempe, AZ?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.7% of gross income.
Tempe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tempe, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tempe
View full rent data for Tempe, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Tempe, AZ?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,667 a month. A typical plumber in Arizona earns about $65,087 a year, which makes that rent 30.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Tempe?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Arizona (~$65,087/yr) supports up to $1,627 a month in rent. Tempe's current median rent is $1,667/mo, which is $40/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Tempe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a plumber in Arizona works roughly 53.3 hours a month to cover Tempe's median rent of $1,667.
Where is rent cheaper than Tempe for a plumber?
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 plumber salary.