Median rent is 47% lower in Tucson ($1,145/mo vs $2,147/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tucson, where the median home runs $266,200 versus $731,700. Households earn more in Boston ($97,344 vs $57,073 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.9 against 110.4 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boston, MA.
Cost of living verdict
Tucson is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.9 in Tucson vs 110.4 in Boston (US national average = 100)
City A
Boston, MA
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Boston, MA?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$61,074
You could earn $13,926 less (19% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Boston
Massachusetts
Tucson
Arizona
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Tucson — median rent of $1,145/mo versus $2,147/mo in Boston, a 47% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boston: the median home is $731,700 versus $266,200 in Tucson — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Boston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tucson
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tucson has cleaner air on average: 26.0 AQI (Good) compared to 31.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 89.9 vs 110.4).
Pick Boston if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,344/yr).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Is Boston cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.9 versus 110.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Boston vs Tucson?
Median rent is $2,147/mo in Boston, MA and $1,145/mo in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the lower rent by about 47%.
Which has higher salaries — Boston or Tucson?
Median household income is $97,344 in Boston, MA and $57,073 in Tucson, AZ. Boston, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Tucson, AZ has better air quality on average: 26.0 AQI versus 31.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boston or Tucson?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Boston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boston, MA is equivalent to roughly $81,432 in Tucson, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
