Is Tucson, AZ cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Tucson, AZ is 7.7% more expensive than San Antonio, TX. This translates to spending an extra $577 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you'd need approximately $156,923.077 in Tucson, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Tucson, AZ is 8.9% more expensive than in San Antonio, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ compared to $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX.

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

Living in Tucson, AZ costs approximately $577 more per month than San Antonio, TX, or $6923 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $577/month more in Tucson, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.9K in Tucson, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$577

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.9K

Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$215K

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$327K

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: San Antonio, TX vs Tucson, AZ

Category	San Antonio, TX	Tucson, AZ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,647/mo	$1,858/mo	↑ $211more	12.8%
Housing	$2,100/mo	$2,287/mo	↑ $187more	8.9%
Groceries	$913/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $116more	12.7%
Healthcare	$527/mo	$570/mo	↑ $43.37more	8.2%
Transportation	$1,287/mo	$1,325/mo	↑ $38.25more	3.0%
All Utilities	$496/mo	$486/mo	↓ $9.29less	1.9%

Other

↑ 12.8%

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Difference

$211

Housing

↑ 8.9%

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Difference

$187

Groceries

↑ 12.7%

San Antonio, TX

$913

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Difference

$116

Healthcare

↑ 8.2%

San Antonio, TX

$527

Tucson, AZ

$570

Difference

$43.37

Transportation

↑ 3.0%

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Difference

$38.25

All Utilities

↓ 1.9%

San Antonio, TX

$496

Tucson, AZ

$486

Difference

$9.29

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,010

↓ $100

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,130

↓ $80.00

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,460

↓ $10.00

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$2,030

↑ $140

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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.

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$586

Difference

Home Values

San Antonio

Tucson

$215K

Median Value

$327K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +16.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.6%

$107K - $905K

Price Range

$229K - $722K

Homes in Tucson are 52% more expensive than San Antonio

Calculate payment - San Antonio 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

San Antonio, 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

San Antonio, 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.