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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Tucson is 24% cheaper than Denton.

$1,079/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 25%
$54,546/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 35%
$242,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 34%
$1,076/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 36%
543,348
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $19,173/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Denton — common questions

Is Tucson or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Denton?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Denton?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $19,173/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Denton details →

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