Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Tucson is 17% more affordable than Sarasota. A $75,000 salary in Sarasota is equivalent to $62,277 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sarasota has a housing index of 132 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Sarasota costs $380,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Sarasota versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sarasota scores 104 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sarasota (97) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sarasota is $52,147 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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