El Paso, TX vs Tucson, AZ: 67 vs 76

$1,041/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$1,079/mo ↑ 4%

$58,734/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$54,546/yr ↓ 7%

$171,700 ↓ 29%

Home Value

$242,200 ↑ 41%

$1,044/mo ↓ 3%

Owner Costs

$1,076/mo ↑ 3%

678,147

Population

543,348

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,188/year higher in El Paso. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Tucson — common questions

Is El Paso or Tucson cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Tucson?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $38/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Tucson?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $4,188/year higher in El Paso.

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 El Paso or Tucson?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Tucson

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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