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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Tucson is 33% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,079/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 45%
$54,546/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 31%
$242,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 55%
$1,076/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 44%
543,348
Population
393,389

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $16,756/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Tampa — common questions

Is Tucson or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Tampa?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Tampa?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $16,756/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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