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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Tucson is 20% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,079/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 29%
$54,546/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 35%
$242,200 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 14%
$1,076/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 32%
543,348
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $18,973/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Arlington — common questions

Is Tucson or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Arlington?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Arlington?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $18,973/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Arlington details →

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