Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Tucson is 3% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $72,656 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. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Houston scores 94 while Tucson scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
Amazon affiliate links