Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Tucson is 13% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $65,187 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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