Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Tucson is 10% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $67,718 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. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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