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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Tucson is 10% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,079/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 3%
$54,546/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↑ 15%
$242,200 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 23%
$1,076/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ≈ Same
543,348
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,923/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Tucson or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Amarillo?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Amarillo?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $7,923/year higher in Amarillo.
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 Tucson or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tucson and Amarillo

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