Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Tucson is 37% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $47,128 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $485,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Tucson scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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