Median rent is 24% lower in Tucson ($1,145/mo vs $1,508/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tucson, where the median home runs $266,200 versus $392,800. Households earn more in Durham ($81,619 vs $57,073 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.9 against 91.9 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Cost of living verdict
Tucson is 2% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.9 in Tucson vs 91.9 in Durham (US national average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$73,341
You could earn $1,659 less (2% 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
Durham
North Carolina
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 $1,508/mo in Durham, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Durham: the median home is $392,800 versus $266,200 in Tucson — 32% 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.
Durham
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 33.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,619/yr).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 26.0).
Is Durham cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.9 versus 91.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Durham vs Tucson?
Median rent is $1,508/mo in Durham, NC and $1,145/mo in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Tucson?
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham, NC and $57,073 in Tucson, AZ. Durham, NC 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 33.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Tucson?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $97,788 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
