Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

3.4% Tucson, AZ is more expensive overall
10.5% 10.5% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.5% more
Oklahoma City
76
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Oklahoma City
93
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Oklahoma City
96
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Oklahoma City
92
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Oklahoma City
100
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index88913.4% more
Housing768410.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,0005.3% more
Median Home Price$210,000$270,00028.6% more
Groceries93963.2% more
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare9292~Same
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax4.75%2.50%
State Sales Tax4.50%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
Tucson542,629

Moving from Oklahoma City to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma City 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

Oklahoma City vs Austin → Oklahoma City vs Denver → Oklahoma City vs Nashville → Tucson vs Raleigh → Tucson vs Portland → Tucson vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oklahoma City or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or Tucson?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to Tucson?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Arizona averages 0.51%.