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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Tucson is 16% cheaper than College Station.

$1,079/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 8%
$54,546/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 5%
$242,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 35%
$1,076/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 16%
543,348
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $2,770/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs College Station — common questions

Is Tucson or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and College Station?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or College Station?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $2,770/year higher in Tucson.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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