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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Houston is 16% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,313/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 18%
$62,894/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 13%
$253,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 4%
$1,316/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 18%
2,300,419
Population
543,348

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $8,348/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Tucson — common questions

Is Houston or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Tucson?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Tucson?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $8,348/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Tucson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Tucson

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