Median rent is 26% lower in Tucson ($1,079/mo vs $1,458/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tucson, where the median home runs $242,200 versus $381,900. Households earn more in Phoenix ($77,041 vs $54,546 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.6 against 103.9 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Phoenix, AZ.
Quick verdict
Tucson is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.6 in Tucson vs 103.9 in Phoenix (US average = 100)
City A
Phoenix, AZ
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Phoenix, AZ?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$65,378
You could earn $9,622 less (13% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Phoenix
Arizona
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Tucson — median rent of $1,079/mo versus $1,458/mo in Phoenix, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Phoenix: the median home is $381,900 versus $242,200 in Tucson — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% versus 2.50% in Arizona, so Tucson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.60% in Arizona and 5.60% in Arizona; Tucson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Phoenix
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Tucson
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Tucson has cleaner air on average: 38.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.6 vs 103.9).
Pick Phoenix if you prioritize higher median household income ($77,041/yr).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,079/mo median).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 38.0).
Is Phoenix cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.6 versus 103.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Tucson?
Median rent is $1,458/mo in Phoenix, AZ and $1,079/mo in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Phoenix or Tucson?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix, AZ and $54,546 in Tucson, AZ. Phoenix, AZ 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: 38.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Phoenix or Tucson?
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Tucson, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Phoenix income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ is equivalent to roughly $87,171 in Tucson, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology