Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Tucson, AZ (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Austin is 76% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,655/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 35%
$91,461/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 40%
$512,700 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 53%
$1,747/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 38%
967,862
Population
543,348

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $36,915/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Tucson — common questions

Is Austin or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Tucson?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Tucson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $36,915/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Tucson has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,079/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Tucson details →

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