Home › Compare › Phoenix, AZ vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

9.0% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
20.8% 20.8% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.8% cheaper
Phoenix
106
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 5.0% cheaper
Phoenix
101
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% cheaper
Phoenix
95
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 3.7% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index100919.0% less
Housing1068420.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,00021.9% less
Median Home Price$370,000$270,00027.0% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation101965.0% less
Healthcare95923.2% less
Utilities1081043.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax2.50%2.50%
State Sales Tax5.60%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Tucson542,629

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix 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 20.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $280 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Tucson?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Tucson?+
Median household income in Phoenix 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 Phoenix vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Arizona averages 0.51%.