Side-by-side comparison

Phoenix vs Tucson

Cost of living comparison for Phoenix, Arizona and Tucson, Arizona.

Bottom line

Phoenix is approximately 24% more expensive than Tucson. A single person needs about $3,694/mo in Phoenix versus $2,971/mo in Tucson.

Rent in Phoenix vs Tucson

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Phoenix · Studio

$1,530

Tucson · Studio

$941

Phoenix is $589 (63%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · 1 bedroom

$1,679

Tucson · 1 bedroom

$1,052

Phoenix is $627 (60%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · 2 bedroom

$1,950

Tucson · 2 bedroom

$1,373

Phoenix is $577 (42%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · 3 bedroom

$2,624

Tucson · 3 bedroom

$1,924

Phoenix is $700 (36%) higher than Tucson

Income & earnings in Phoenix vs Tucson

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Phoenix · Household income

$85,518

Tucson · Household income

$67,929

Phoenix is $17,589 (26%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · Individual earnings

$46,640

Tucson · Individual earnings

$37,642

Phoenix is $8,998 (24%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · Per capita

$44,210

Tucson · Per capita

$38,564

Phoenix is $5,646 (15%) higher than Tucson

Home values in Phoenix vs Tucson

Average values and property tax.

Phoenix · Average home value

$414,700

Tucson · Average home value

$286,900

Phoenix is $127,800 (45%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · Annual property tax

$1,965

Tucson · Annual property tax

$2,248

Tucson is $283 (14%) higher than Phoenix

Energy in Phoenix vs Tucson

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Phoenix · Monthly electricity

$150

Tucson · Monthly electricity

$150

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Phoenix · Monthly gas

$39

Tucson · Monthly gas

$39

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Phoenix · Annual total

$2,268

Tucson · Annual total

$2,268

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Healthcare in Phoenix vs Tucson

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Phoenix · Individual premium

$480

Tucson · Individual premium

$480

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Phoenix · Family premium

$1,350

Tucson · Family premium

$1,350

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Phoenix · Uninsured rate

10.7%

Tucson · Uninsured rate

8.9%

Phoenix is 1.8% (20%) higher than Tucson

Taxes in Phoenix vs Tucson

State income and sales tax.

Phoenix · State income tax

2.5%

Tucson · State income tax

2.5%

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Phoenix · State sales tax

5.6%

Tucson · State sales tax

5.6%

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Phoenix · Combined sales tax

8.4%

Tucson · Combined sales tax

8.4%

Phoenix and Tucson are about the same

Transportation in Phoenix vs Tucson

Commute time and travel modes.

Phoenix · Average commute

26.1 min

Tucson · Average commute

24.4 min

Phoenix is 1.7 min (7%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · Drive alone

66.6%

Tucson · Drive alone

70.7%

Tucson is 4.1% (6%) higher than Phoenix

Phoenix · Public transit

1.3%

Tucson · Public transit

1.6%

Tucson is 0.3% (23%) higher than Phoenix

Monthly cost estimates in Phoenix vs Tucson

All categories combined.

Phoenix · Single person

$3,694

Tucson · Single person

$2,971

Phoenix is $723 (24%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · Couple

$5,274

Tucson · Couple

$4,443

Phoenix is $831 (19%) higher than Tucson

Phoenix · Family

$8,098

Tucson · Family

$7,144

Phoenix is $954 (13%) higher than Tucson

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Phoenix and Tucson.

Is Phoenix or Tucson more expensive?

Phoenix is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,694/mo in Phoenix, Arizona and $2,971/mo in Tucson, Arizona, a difference of about 24%.

What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Tucson?

Average one-bedroom rent in Phoenix, Arizona is $1,679/mo versus $1,052/mo in Tucson, Arizona. Phoenix is approximately $627 (60%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Phoenix or Tucson?

Phoenix has the higher average household income. Phoenix households earn approximately $85,518 per year; Tucson households earn approximately $67,929 per year.

More on Phoenix and Tucson

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Phoenix profile Tucson profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.