Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Tucson is 28% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,079/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 43%
$54,546/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 18%
$242,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 35%
$1,076/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 31%
543,348
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $9,894/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Tucson or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Clearwater?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Clearwater?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $9,894/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Clearwater details →

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