Is Austin, TX cheaper than Tucson, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 5.1% more expensive than Tucson, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $383 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tucson, AZ, you'd need approximately $154,591.837 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 26.1% more expensive than in Tucson, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $383 more per month than Tucson, AZ, or $4592 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tucson, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $383/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tucson, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$383

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.6K

Per year

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$327K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$558K

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tucson, AZ vs Austin, TX

Category	Tucson, AZ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $598more	26.1%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $117less	6.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$541/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $40.98less	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$589/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.1%

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$598

📦Other

↓ 6.3%

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$117

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.2%

Tucson, AZ

$486

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$54.64

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.1%

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.3%

Tucson, AZ

$570

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$18.59

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,585

↑ $575

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,685

↑ $555

2 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,995

↑ $535

3 Bed

From$2,030

To$2,525

↑ $495

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$443

Difference

Home Values

Tucson

Austin

$327K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$229K - $722K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 71% more expensive than Tucson

Calculate payment - Tucson Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

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

Austin, 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

Additional Tax Information

Tucson, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.