Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Tucson is 21% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $59,615 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while Tucson scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Tucson (93).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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