Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Phoenix is 38% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,458/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 18%
$77,041/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 15%
$381,900 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 43%
$1,430/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 18%
1,624,832
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $11,514/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Tyler — common questions

Is Phoenix or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Tyler?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Tyler?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $11,514/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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