Is Tucson, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Phoenix, AZ?

Tucson, AZ (RPP 93.8) is cheaper than Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) by about 9.5%.

What salary do I need in Tucson, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ?

You would need approximately $90,453 in Tucson, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ. Formula: $100,000 x (93.8 / 103.7).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Phoenix, AZ or Tucson, AZ?

For 2021-2022, Phoenix, AZ had a net gain of 20,892 people, while Tucson, AZ had a net gain of 3,527 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Phoenix, AZ vs Tucson, AZ: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Phoenix, AZ

Overall RPP (US=100): 103.7
Housing RPP: 122.9
Goods RPP: 98.3
2-BR median rent: $1,877/mo

Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.

Tucson, AZ

Overall RPP (US=100): 93.8
Housing RPP: 91.1
Goods RPP: 97.5
2-BR median rent: $1,337/mo

Arizona flat income tax 2.5%.

Equivalent salary

Tucson, AZ is cheaper than Phoenix, AZ by about 9.5% (RPP 103.7 to 93.8).

$60,000 in Phoenix, AZ

-> $54,272

in Tucson, AZ

$100,000 in Phoenix, AZ

-> $90,453

in Tucson, AZ

$150,000 in Phoenix, AZ

-> $135,680

in Tucson, AZ

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Phoenix, AZ vs Tucson, AZ

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Phoenix, AZ

Net people: +20,892
Net rank: #8 of 65
Top origin share: 4%
Top destination share: 3%

Largest source: Los Angeles County, CA. Largest destination: Pima County, AZ.

Tucson, AZ

Net people: +3,527
Net rank: #23 of 65
Top origin share: 12%
Top destination share: 14%

Largest source: Maricopa County, AZ. Largest destination: Maricopa County, AZ.

Rent delta: Tucson, AZ is $540/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Phoenix, AZ. Housing RPP moves from 122.9 to 91.1.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tucson, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Phoenix, AZ?: Tucson, AZ (RPP 93.8) is cheaper than Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) by about 9.5%.
What salary do I need in Tucson, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ?: You would need approximately $90,453 in Tucson, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ. Formula: $100,000 x (93.8 / 103.7).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Phoenix, AZ or Tucson, AZ?: For 2021-2022, Phoenix, AZ had a net gain of 20,892 people, while Tucson, AZ had a net gain of 3,527 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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