Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Tucson is 7% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $69,750 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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