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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

15.7% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
23.6% 23.6% cheaper housing
9.4% 9.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 9.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 14.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 12.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 3.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1089115.7% less
Housing1108423.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,00033.3% less
Median Home Price$280,000$270,0003.6% less
Groceries106969.4% less
Transportation1129614.3% less
Healthcare1059212.4% less
Utilities1081043.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax3.07%2.50%
State Sales Tax6.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Tucson542,629

Moving from Philadelphia to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 23.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Tucson?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Tucson?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Arizona averages 0.51%.