Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Tucson is 27% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,079/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 31%
$54,546/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 24%
$242,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 40%
$1,076/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 41%
543,348
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $12,998/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Worcester — common questions

Is Tucson or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Worcester?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Worcester?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $12,998/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tucson details → View Worcester details →

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