Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, 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.

4.2% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
6.7% 6.7% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.7% cheaper
Fort Worth
90
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Fort Worth
95
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% cheaper
Fort Worth
96
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Fort Worth
103
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index95914.2% less
Housing90846.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,00020.0% less
Median Home Price$300,000$270,00010.0% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare96924.2% less
Utilities103104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, 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

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
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 Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Tucson542,629

Moving from Fort Worth to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth 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

Fort Worth vs Austin → Fort Worth vs Denver → Fort Worth vs Nashville → Tucson vs Raleigh → Tucson vs Portland → Tucson vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth 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 6.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth to Tucson?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 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 Fort Worth vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Arizona averages 0.51%.