Median rent is 41% lower in Tucson ($1,145/mo vs $1,937/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tucson, where the median home runs $266,200 versus $369,200. Households earn more in Port St. Lucie ($80,648 vs $57,073 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.9 against 95.7 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Cost of living verdict
Tucson is 6% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.9 in Tucson vs 95.7 in Port St. Lucie (US national average = 100)
City A
Port St. Lucie, FL
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Port St. Lucie, FL?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$70,420
You could earn $4,580 less (6% 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
Port St. Lucie
Florida
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 $1,937/mo in Port St. Lucie, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Port St. Lucie: the median home is $369,200 versus $266,200 in Tucson — 28% 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.
Port St. Lucie
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 47.0 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 95.7).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,648/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 Port St. Lucie cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.9 versus 95.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Port St. Lucie vs Tucson?
Median rent is $1,937/mo in Port St. Lucie, FL and $1,145/mo in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Port St. Lucie or Tucson?
Median household income is $80,648 in Port St. Lucie, FL and $57,073 in Tucson, AZ. Port St. Lucie, FL 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 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Port St. Lucie or Tucson?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Port St. Lucie income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Port St. Lucie, FL is equivalent to roughly $93,894 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
