| Index | Tucson | Arizona | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Groceries | 104 | 101 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 89 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 102 | 100 |
| Utilities | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 106 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 101 | 101 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 106 | 103 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Tucson is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Tucson is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Tucson is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 24 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Tucson. The feedback revealed that 42% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 58% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Tucson is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Tucson, for example, the median home price is 10.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 10.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Tucson boasting a median household income of $67,557, which is 16.9% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Tucson, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and income tax rates begin at 2.5%.
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Tucson, the groceries index registers 4.1% higher than the national average.
The Tucson cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $91,053 | $7,588 | $2,124 | $2,732 |
| Renters | $47,783 | $3,982 | $1,115 | $1,434 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Arizona | 5.6% | 10.725% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Arizona | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Rillito, AZ | 0 | 103 | 3.1% |
| Willow Canyon, AZ | 0 | 102 | 1.9% |
| Flowing Wells, AZ | 17,890 | 85 | 15.4% |
| Summit, AZ | 5,250 | 86 | 13.8% |
| Littletown, AZ | 659 | 90 | 9.7% |
| Tucson, AZ | 564,632 | 100 | 0.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Surrey, BC | 560,150 | n/a | |
| Albuquerque, NM | 579,406 | 101 | 1.0% |
| Québec, QC | 548,244 | n/a | |
| Fresno, CA | 543,090 | 123 | 23.1% |
| Milwaukee, WI | 605,531 | 93 | 7.2% |
| Tucson, AZ | 564,632 | 100 | 0.3% |
Here are the best places to live in Arizona
Check out the 10 safest cities in Arizona
Safest States In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US