Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

7.1% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
19.2% 19.2% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 19.2% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Raleigh
96
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Raleigh
98
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index98917.1% less
Housing1048419.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$385,000$270,00029.9% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare100928.0% less
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax4.50%2.50%
State Sales Tax4.75%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Tucson542,629

Moving from Raleigh to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 19.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Tucson?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Tucson?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Arizona averages 0.51%.