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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Tucson is 8% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,079/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 23%
$54,546/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 34%
$242,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 14%
$1,076/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 16%
543,348
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $18,484/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Odessa — common questions

Is Tucson or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Odessa?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Odessa?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $18,484/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Odessa details →

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