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Rent vs Buy in Tempe, AZ

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Tempe. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$445,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,950

Property Tax Rate

0.62%/yr

Avg Appreciation

3.8%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$445,000
20% ($89,000)
$1,950
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Tempe, AZ?

The decision to rent or buy in Tempe, Arizona depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $445,000 and median monthly rent of $1,950, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Tempe has an average property tax rate of 0.62% annually, which adds approximately $230/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Tempe have appreciated at roughly 3.8% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Tempe Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $89,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $2,366/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $230/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $371/mo