Let the numbers do the talking.
Phoenix, AZ vs Tempe, AZ
Phoenix, AZ vs Tempe, AZ: What the data shows
Phoenix, AZ is in Phoenix, AZ while Tempe, AZ is in Tempe, AZ — both in the same state. On home prices, Tempe, AZ is the more affordable option at $333,600 median — $125,700 less than Phoenix, AZ's $459,300. WYLT rates Phoenix, AZ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Tempe, AZ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Tempe, AZ has the stronger safety profile of the two. Phoenix, AZ has High violent crime and High property crime. Tempe, AZ has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Phoenix, AZ has Low flood risk and Tempe, AZ has Low flood risk.
Tempe, AZ is the more walkable neighborhood. Phoenix, AZ scores 34/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Tempe, AZ's 51/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Phoenix, AZ rates 7.2/10 and Tempe, AZ rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Phoenix, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $459K | $334K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $80K ✓ Higher income | $56K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 34/100 | 51/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 24/100 | 49/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 12 min ✓ Shorter commute | 17 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | F | D+ ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Best for | Young professionalsStudentsPeople looking for affordable Phoenix living | college studentsyoung professionalsremote workers |
Bottom line
If you're a college student or young professional looking for affordable housing and access to downtown Phoenix, Tempe is the better choice due to its stronger rental market and a slightly more walkable neighborhood. On the other hand, if you're a family seeking lower housing costs and lower crime rates, Phoenix's 85016 might be a better option. Ultimately, neither neighborhood is ideal for most families, and you should seriously consider other areas within Phoenix or surrounding cities.
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