Can A Welder Afford Rent in Tempe, AZ?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 40.1% of gross income.
Tempe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tempe, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tempe
View full rent data for Tempe, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Tempe, AZ?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,667 a month. A typical welder in Arizona earns about $49,868 a year, which makes that rent 40.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Tempe?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Arizona (~$49,868/yr) supports up to $1,247 a month in rent. Tempe's current median rent is $1,667/mo, which is $420/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Tempe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a welder in Arizona works roughly 69.5 hours a month to cover Tempe's median rent of $1,667.
Where is rent cheaper than Tempe for a welder?
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 welder salary.