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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Tucson is 63% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,079/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 111%
$54,546/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 157%
$242,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 257%
$1,076/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 124%
543,348
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,196/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $14,352/year.

Median household income is $85,614/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

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 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $1,196/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Arlington?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $85,614/year higher in Arlington.
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 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 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Arlington details →

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