Cost of Living in Tucson, AZ is
-2.1% Lower
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Tucson, AZ increase in 2024? Tucson, AZ area prices were up 2.5% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Tucson, Arizona    Tucson (/ˈtuːsɒn, tuːˈsɒn/) is a city and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States, and home to the University of Arizona. The 2010 Unit....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Arizona's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $14.35 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Tucson, AZ by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-18.0%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-43.8%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-61.8%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
-11.1%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
-35.2%

Cost of Living Comparison with Tucson, AZ

If you move to Tucson from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-88.6%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-47.3%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-17.5%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-14.5%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-55.2%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-79.1%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToTucson, AZ Cost Of Living Comparision
-9.1%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Tucson, AZ

Tucson (/ˈtuːsɒn, tuːˈsɒn/) is a city and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States, and home to the University of Arizona. The 2010 United States Census put the population at 520,116, while the 2015 estimated population of the entire Tucson metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was 980,263. The Tucson MSA forms part of the larger Tucson-Nogales combined statistical area (CSA), with a total population of 1,010,025 as of the 2010 Census. Tucson is the second-largest populated city in Arizona behind Phoenix, both of which anchor the Arizona Sun Corridor. The city is 108 miles (174 km)...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Tucson, AZ

Will the cost of food in Tucson, Arizona impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Kroger to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Tucson, AZ. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Tucson, AZ?

Tucson, AZ does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Tucson, AZ. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Electricity bills are a big part of my current cost of living and can be really high, what is the cost of electricity in Tucson, Arizona?

Electric costs in Tucson,AZ are currently lower than average when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Arizona has gone up about 4.031%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What kind of child care is available in Tucson, Arizona and what is the cost?

The estimated average annual cost for child care in Tucson, Arizona (based on state average), is $9437. This cost is ranked NO. 26 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What are rents like in Tucson,AZ?

I am single and live in Tucson,AZ, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $622 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Tucson,AZ, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What can you do for free in Tucson, AZ?

Because University of Arizona is located in Tucson, there is a large student population. This is great, even if you are not a student, since there are always lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How does Tucson, Arizona compare to the rest of U.S. as far as all the taxes that will affect my cost of living?

The overall tax ranking for Tucson, Arizona, which is based on a composite of state wide taxes including income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, insurance taxes, and business taxes is in the middle compared to the rest of the United States. This overall tax profile can definitely impact your cost of living in Tucson, AZ. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Is Tucson, Arizona very congested with traffic?

Overall, the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. Tucson, Arizona has an ease of driving ranking of 28 and is considered pretty good overall for commuters. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How long does it take to get to work in Tucson, Arizona on average?

Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Tucson, Arizona, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Tucson is 32.16 minutes. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Cost of living in Tucson, Arizona is important, but what about the weather?

The weather in Tucson is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Tucson is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Tucson, Arizona. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-04-24