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Grocery Costs in Tempe, AZ

By Sarah Chen ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$5,921
MONTHLY
$493
VS NATIONAL
+3%
COST INDEX
104

Direct Answer

Grocery Costs in Tempe, AZ averages approximately $5,921/year ($493/month) โ€” 3% above the US national average of $5,760. Typical range: $3,849โ€“$8,585 depending on household and provider.

Grocery Costs Range in Tempe

Budget-Conscious
$3,849/yr
~$321/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$5,921/yr
~$493/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$8,585/yr
~$715/mo ยท 45% above average

How Tempe Compares

Tempe's grocery cost runs $161 more per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 104, Tempe is positioned in the middle of US cost rankings, with grocery costs tracking close to national pricing.

Grocery Costs in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Tempe, AZ This page104$5,921+3%
New York, NY187$9,268+61%
Los Angeles, CA166$8,421+46%
Chicago, IL107$6,042+5%
Houston, TX96$5,599-3%
Phoenix, AZ103$5,881+2%
View all 300+ cities ranked by grocery cost โ†’

How to Save on Grocery Costs in Tempe

1

Shop providers annually โ€” grocery cost pricing in Tempe varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within AZ, grocery cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for grocery cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Tempe discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Tempe and AZ may offer income-based reductions for grocery cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Tempe

See how other major expenses look in Tempe, AZ.

See the full Tempe cost-of-living profile โ†’

Tempe Grocery Costs โ€” FAQ

What is the average grocery cost in Tempe, AZ?

The average grocery cost in Tempe, AZ is approximately $5,921 per year ($493/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 104 applied to the national baseline of $5,760.

Is grocery costs expensive in Tempe?

Grocery Costs in Tempe runs close to the US national average, with a cost-of-living index of 104. The typical cost is within a few percent of the national figure.

How much does grocery cost cost per month in Tempe?

Monthly grocery cost in Tempe averages about $493. Households typically see $321โ€“$715 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives grocery cost differences between cities?

Grocery Costs pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 104 for Tempe) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.