Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Tucson is 56% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,079/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 88%
$54,546/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 108%
$242,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 188%
$1,076/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 102%
543,348
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $952/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $11,424/year.

Median household income is $59,092/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Tucson or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Alexandria?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $952/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Alexandria?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $59,092/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tucson and Alexandria

Tucson vs. Fresno Tucson vs. Sacramento Tucson vs. Albuquerque Tucson vs. Kansas City Tucson vs. Milwaukee Tucson vs. Mesa Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen