Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Tucson, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Boston is 132% more expensive than Tucson.

$2,093/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 48%
$94,755/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 42%
$710,400 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 66%
$2,176/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 51%
663,972
Population
543,348

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,014/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $12,168/year.

Median household income is $40,209/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tucson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tucson — common questions

Is Boston or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tucson?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $1,014/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tucson?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $40,209/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Tucson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Tucson

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