Cost of Living in Tempe for Students: 2026

Have dreams of going to university in Arizona? Well, you are far from being alone in doing so. Students come to study in Tempe because of its great reputation in terms of universities, vibrant student life, sunny weather, and unique desert lifestyle. However, the cost of living in Tempe may feel intimidating at a glance, especially when it comes to accommodation expenses.

But here’s the good news for you, Tempe is one of the most affordable and student-friendly cities in the United States. With this guide on the cost of living in Tempe for students, you will get a lot of useful information about what exactly it costs and how to cope with it. As of 2026, International student living cost in Tempe is between $1,000 and $1,750 per month. It’s significantly lower than other major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, and with smart planning, it’s completely manageable.

Tempe is a vibrant, landlocked city in Maricopa County, Arizona, located just east of Phoenix. It is best known as the home of Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest public universities in the U.S.

Let’s break it all down! From student housing Tempe to food, transport, and other costs, so you can prepare confidently for your study abroad journey in the best homes in Tempe for international students.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Tempe 

The average monthly cost of living in Tempe for students is between $1,000 to $1,750. The largest proportion of expenditure goes towards housing. Students who choose to budget student rooms or live in groups or opt for the all-inclusive type to spend less compared to their counterparts.

Here’s a monthly breakdown for 2026 for a student living in Tempe:

NOTE: These figures cover an estimated balanced student life in Tempe. Most student accommodations are all-inclusive Tempe student housing, meaning utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi are included in the rent.

If you’re careful with cooking at home and using student discounts, you can use the Cost of living Calculator by University Living for a more accurate budget.

Student Accommodation Costs in Tempe 

Accommodation is going to account for most of the money that students spend in Tempe. The choice of housing will have a direct impact on many other aspects in terms of expenses, commuting, security, and social activities as well. Tempe offers a wide range of student flats options to suit every budget and lifestyle.

In most cases, international students prefer purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) because it’s secure, fully furnished, and is an all-inclusive home in Tempe. These properties are specifically made for students and include utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi in the rent.

Types of Student Accommodation in Tempe 

Looking for the best student apartments in Tempe for international students is one way of ensuring that student life becomes both comfortable and exciting.

Here are some options available in Tempe for students: 

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) 

PBSA refers to contemporary student stay communities that are purposely designed for university students. They include furnished rooms, shared kitchens, study facilities, gym, lounges and 24/7 security services. One of the key advantages of PBSA is that rent usually covers all utilities, such as electricity, water, internet and maintenance services, making budgeting easier for students.

• Shared Apartments: These apartments are the most budget-friendly options for student rooms in Tempe. In these properties, students get to share a room with 2 or 3 other occupants. The washroom, living room, and kitchen are all shared among all other roommates of the property. The average monthly rent is $500–$800.

• En-Suite Accommodations: These are some of the most preferred accommodation types for students as in these properties, students get to have an entire room to themselves that is attached to a washroom. Students also get the opportunity to have a living room and a kitchen that is shared among other residents. The average monthly rent is $700–$1,000.

• Non-En-suite Accommodations: These accommodations are very similar to En-Suite accommodation. The only major difference is that a non-en-suite property does not come with an attached washroom. The washroom is shared among other occupants along with the living room and kitchen. The average monthly rent is between $600–$900.

• Studio Apartments: These properties are the epitome of comfort and privacy in off-campus Tempe residences. Students get to have an entire unit to themselves, complete with a large room attached to it, a washroom, and a kitchen. All of this is for just one person. The average monthly rent is $1,000–$1,500.

Private Apartments:  

These apartments are independent units that are provided on a lease basis of typically one or two years. These apartments generally come with all sorts of furnishings or raw units that need furnishings, and the utility bills are also not included in the rent. These properties are best suited for working professionals and students who have already spent at least 2-3 years in the city. Average monthly rent ranges between $1,200–$2,000+.

Accommodation Cost Comparison 

The average rent in Tempe for students may widely vary depending on the nature of the housing, its location, and facilities available at the place.  Between cheap shared apartments or expensive private studio accommodations, students can choose for those that suit their budget and preferences.

Here is an estimate of the monthly cost of living in Tempe for various types of student accommodation:

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Tempe 

Tempe has many accommodations to choose from, like modern PBSAs and private apartments. Such student rooms in Tempe are quite preferred by international students since they are located near major universities, provide student facilities and easy access to the city.

Here are some well-loved options in Tempe:

The Gateway at Tempe

• Starting from: $756.44/month

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students looking for fully furnished student housing with resort-style amenities close to ASU

• Nearby University: Arizona State University Tempe Campus

• Key Amenities: Close to ASU Tempe Campus, fitness room, games room, volleyball court

Alight Tempe

• Starting from: $614/month

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students who want affordable student rooms near Arizona State University with 24-hour fitness center

• Nearby University: Arizona State University

• Key Amenities: Trending, close to ASU, 24-hour fitness center, basketball court, clubhouse

Redpoint Tempe

• Starting from: $709/month

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students looking for budget-friendly student rooms with a strong community vibe

• Nearby University: Arizona State University

• Key Amenities: Price drop available, convenient location, community-focused living

Yugo Tempe Terrace

• Starting from: $749/month

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students seeking best student flats for international students with great savings and modern amenities

• Nearby University: Arizona State University

• Key Amenities: Save up to $120, close to ASU, modern student living

If you’re looking for student accommodation that is convenient and comfortable, then University Living is the answer. 

Best Areas to Live in Tempe for Students

Managing monthly expenses in Tempe for students can be difficult to plan, especially when considering rent for students. In addition to the cost of living in Tempe incurred through rent, selecting suitable student areas can make or break your whole stay at university.

Below are some of the best student areas in Tempe:

Downtown Tempe / Mill Avenue District

• Average Rent range between: $800–$1,300 per month

• Nearby Universities: Arizona State University

• Transport Convenience: Extremely walkable, light rail access, Tempe Streetcar

• Student Vibe: The Mill Avenue District is one of the best locations to stay in the city. It is Tempe’s central hub for nightlife, dining, and social activity. It is extremely walkable, with most campus buildings just a 5-10 minute walk away.

Apache Boulevard Corridor

• Average Rent falls between: $700–1$,100 per month

• Nearby Universities: Arizona State University

• Transport Convenience: Direct access to Valley Metro Light Rail, bus routes

• Student Vibe: Located just south and east of the main campus, this area is a primary corridor for purpose-built student housing. It offers a mix of modern amenities and study lounges. Also, provides direct access to the Valley Metro Light Rail for easy commuting.

Tempe Town Lake / North Tempe

• Average Rent is between: $750–$1,200 per month

• Nearby Universities: Arizona State University

• Transport Convenience: Walking and biking trails, light rail access

• Student Vibe: This scenic neighborhood is perfect for students who priorities outdoor recreation, as it features extensive walking and biking trails. It offers a slightly quieter, more “professional” atmosphere while still being just a short walk or bike ride from ASU.

East Tempe / Kyrene Corridor

• Average Rent is around: $900 per month

• Nearby Universities: Arizona State University

• Transport Convenience: Reliable bus routes, extensive bike paths

• Student Vibe: For students seeking more affordable or quieter residential options, East Tempe provides a budget-friendly alternative to the downtown area. It typically costs around $200–$500 less per month than other units near campus.

Top Universities in Tempe, USA 

Tempe is home to some of the top universities in Arizona. These institutions are in huge demand among domestic and international students. Each institute has a specialty to offer and is suited for a variety of students.

Food & Grocery Costs in Tempe

The most straightforward way of cutting down your student budget in Tempe is when you have to buy food. Avoid the temptation of going out each day because such actions can drain your budget. Rather, you should eat at home to make it cheaper for you and keep your cost of food in Tempe on budget.

Buy ingredients from supermarket stores such as Walmart, Kroger (Fry’s), ALDI, or Trader Joe’s, where the prices are much lower. Tempe also has local farmers’ markets for fresh and affordable produce.

Don’t forget the importance of using student discount apps. Such apps offer discounts in selected grocery shops and food joints.

Here’s how the cost of food in Tempe looks:

You can save big on food in Tempe with student discounts and smart home cooking. Shop at Walmart or Fry’s for affordable groceries!

Transportation Costs in Tempe, AZ 

Although the population of Tempe is just under 200,000, the city has an extensive network of public transit systems. These modes of transport act as the lifeline of the city and are used by several thousand people every day.

The table below gives a clear picture of transportation cost in Tempe for students:

Book seamless airport pickup with ULInfinity and stay connected from day one in Tempe. 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Tempe 

In terms of monthly utility bills in Tempe, most student accommodation properties are all-inclusive student flats in Tempe, meaning electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi are included in the rent.

Honestly speaking, this is a huge saving for students!

You will need some SIM cards and data for your mobile and Internet connection. ULInfinity provides great international student-friendly SIM plans in the US with reasonable call and data charges.

Here’s a monthly breakdown for students in Tempe:

Without all-inclusive rent, you would pay around $150–$300 per month. With Tempe’s all-inclusive student accommodation, you save approx. $120–$240 per month and manage your overall cost of living in Tempe.

Stay connected with your family and friends abroad using affordable international student-friendly SIM plans from ULInfinity.

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Tempe

Most international students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during holidays. The average salary in Tempe is between $12 to $18 per hour depending on the kind of job and your age.

Living in Tempe gives you easy access to job opportunities in retail, hospitality, campus jobs, and freelance work. Tempe is home to major companies like Carvana and GoDaddy, offering internship opportunities for students.

Here’s an overview of student part-time wages in Tempe:

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss

There are various hidden costs which many international students often do not consider. For example, bedding, visas, and other moving supplies may surprise many students.

ULInfinity provides guarantor service for students like Room Essentials kit, Flight Tickets, Forex services for your deposit and international money transfers, Student bank account, Health Insurance, and Travel Insurance.

It’s smart to budget an extra $500 to $1,000 for these setup costs and emergencies.

Have a look on breakdown of the miscellaneous costs for students moving to Tempe:

Secure your abroad journey with trusted student support services from ULInfinity, from international money transfer to student bank account setup.

Tempe Tourist Attractions for Students

Every year, thousands of travel enthusiasts visit here to experience some of the most beautiful tourist attractions, while balancing their cost of living in Tempe simultaneously.

Here are some must-visit places while studying in Tempe:

1. Tempe Town Lake: This 2-mile-long perennial reservoir is a hub for outdoor activity, offering rentals for kayaking, paddleboarding, and electric “donut” boats. The surrounding Tempe Beach Park hosts major festivals.

2. Mill Avenue District: This historic street is Tempe’s premier entertainment destination, packed with local boutiques, high-energy bars, and a diverse array of restaurants. It is home to the Tempe Festival of the Arts.

3. Papago Park: Located on the border of Tempe and Phoenix, this park is famous for its massive sandstone buttes and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation. It offers relatively easy hiking trails with panoramic views of the Tempe skyline.

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Tempe, USA

To cope with living expenses, as a student living in Tempe you should adopt the following strategies:

1. Share Accommodation: Splitting rent and bills with roommates lowers your housing costs. Shared apartments start at just $500 per month.

2. Plan Ahead: Reserving student housing Arizona in advance ensures that you pay the lowest possible price.

3. Live Near University: Choosing a place close to campus lets you walk or bike, saving heavily on transport. Properties like The Gateway at Tempe are close to ASU.

4. Choose All-Inclusive Rent: Most Tempe student properties include electricity, water, gas, and internet – avoiding surprise utility bills and well-balance the cost of living in Tempe.

5. Use Free Public Transport: The Orbit Circulator and ASU Intercampus Shuttles are free for students.

6. Cooking at Home: It is much less expensive than eating out. Shop at Walmart, Fry’s, or ALDI.

7. Utilize Student Offers: There are several apps that provide student discounts on food, shopping, and leisure.

8. Explore Free Attractions: Enjoy Papago Park, Tempe Town Lake, and the ASU Art Museum, many of which are free!

 Is Tempe Affordable for International Students?

Yes, absolutely! Tempe is one of the most affordable student cities in the United States among other cities.

Here’s why Tempe is a smart choice for budget-conscious international students:

If you are budget-conscious, live in shared accommodation or choose affordable options from University Living verified listings.

Conclusion

This city is perfect for those who want to study in the United States without breaking the bank. This vibrant, sunny city offers world-class universities, a lively downtown, beautiful desert landscapes, and job opportunities, all at an affordable price point.

University Living makes the process of booking student housing USA much simpler for you.  Also, with ULInfinity you get everything, from accommodation essentials to arranging SIM cards and airport pickups, it has you covered.

Yes! Tempe is affordable, student-friendly, and totally worth the investment, especially with the savings you make living in this wonderful Arizona city.

Frequently Asked Questions