Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Tucson, AZ

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

11.7% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
28.8% 28.8% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.8% cheaper
Austin
118
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 5.2% cheaper
Austin
97
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Austin
99
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1039111.7% less
Housing1188428.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,00031.0% less
Median Home Price$425,000$270,00036.5% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare97925.2% less
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Tucson, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.25%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Tucson to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Austin979,882
Tucson542,629

Moving from Austin to Tucson?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Tucson → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Tucson →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Tucson vs Portland → Tucson vs Phoenix → Tucson vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 28.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Tucson?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Tucson?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Arizona averages 0.51%.