Is Tucson, AZ cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Tucson, AZ is 1.6% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $117 per month.

What salary do I need in Tucson, AZ to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $151,398.964 in Tucson, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Tucson, AZ?

Housing in Tucson, AZ is 4.4% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Tucson, AZ?

Living in Tucson, AZ costs approximately $117 more per month than Houston, TX, or $1399 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Houston, TX vs Tucson, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $117/month more in Tucson, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.4K in Tucson, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$117

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$245K

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$327K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Houston, TX vs Tucson, AZ

Category	Houston, TX	Tucson, AZ	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $124less	8.6%
Groceries	$911/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $118more	12.9%
Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,287/mo	↑ $96.15more	4.4%
Other	$1,768/mo	$1,858/mo	↑ $90.40more	5.1%
All Utilities	$552/mo	$486/mo	↓ $66.12less	12.0%
Healthcare	$562/mo	$570/mo	↑ $8.05more	1.4%

Transportation

↓ 8.6%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Difference

$124

less

Groceries

↑ 12.9%

Houston, TX

$911

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Difference

$118

Housing

↑ 4.4%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Difference

$96.15

Other

↑ 5.1%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Difference

$90.40

All Utilities

↓ 12.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Tucson, AZ

$486

Difference

$66.12

less

Healthcare

↑ 1.4%

Houston, TX

$562

Tucson, AZ

$570

Difference

$8.05

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,010

↓ $210

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,130

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,460

↓ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,030

↑ $10.00

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$122

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Tucson

$245K

Median Value

$327K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.6%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$229K - $722K

Homes in Tucson are 33% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Tucson

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Tucson, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Tucson, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.