Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Tucson is 29% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,079/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 8%
$54,546/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 16%
$242,200 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 48%
$1,076/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 9%
543,348
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $8,701/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Tucson or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Syracuse?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Syracuse?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $8,701/year higher in Tucson.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Syracuse details →

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