Tucson, Arizona has an overall cost of living index of 90.6, which is 9.4 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,079 per month, while the typical home is valued around $242,200. Households earn a median of $54,546 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 38. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$54,546
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,079
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$242,200
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
90.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$967
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,081
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,402
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,950
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
90.6
Goods
93.6
Rents / Housing
70.6
Services
83.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
2.50%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
5.60%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $110,760 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $85,480 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $55,950 |
| ⚡Electrician | $59,380 |
| 📊Accountant | $85,110 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
543,348
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.6 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
38.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Tucson?
Tucson has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 90.6. The US national average is 100, so Tucson is 9.4 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Tucson?
The median gross rent in Tucson is $1,079 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Tucson?
The median household income in Tucson is $54,546 per year.
What is the median home value in Tucson?
The median home value in Tucson is $242,200 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Tucson?
Tucson has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Tucson?
Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a statewide sales tax of 5.60% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology