Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Tucson, AZ (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Los Angeles is 146% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,879/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 43%
$80,366/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 32%
$879,500 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 72%
$2,055/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 48%
3,857,897
Population
543,348

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $800/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $9,600/year.

Median household income is $25,820/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Tucson — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Tucson?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $800/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Tucson?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $25,820/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Tucson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Tucson

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