Side-by-side comparison

Tucson vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for Tucson, Arizona and Austin, Texas.

Bottom line

Austin is approximately 25% more expensive than Tucson. A single person needs about $3,706/mo in Austin versus $2,971/mo in Tucson.

Rent in Tucson vs Austin

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Tucson · Studio

$941

Austin · Studio

$1,549

Austin is $608 (65%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · 1 bedroom

$1,052

Austin · 1 bedroom

$1,650

Austin is $598 (57%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · 2 bedroom

$1,373

Austin · 2 bedroom

$1,949

Austin is $576 (42%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · 3 bedroom

$1,924

Austin · 3 bedroom

$2,484

Austin is $560 (29%) higher than Tucson

Income & earnings in Tucson vs Austin

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Tucson · Household income

$67,929

Austin · Household income

$97,169

Austin is $29,240 (43%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Individual earnings

$37,642

Austin · Individual earnings

$55,186

Austin is $17,544 (47%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Per capita

$38,564

Austin · Per capita

$59,289

Austin is $20,725 (54%) higher than Tucson

Home values in Tucson vs Austin

Average values and property tax.

Tucson · Average home value

$286,900

Austin · Average home value

$487,600

Austin is $200,700 (70%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Annual property tax

$2,248

Austin · Annual property tax

$7,487

Austin is $5,239 (233%) higher than Tucson

Energy in Tucson vs Austin

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Tucson · Monthly electricity

$150

Austin · Monthly electricity

$167

Austin is $17 (11%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Monthly gas

$39

Austin · Monthly gas

$32

Tucson is $7 (22%) higher than Austin

Tucson · Annual total

$2,268

Austin · Annual total

$2,388

Austin is $120 (5%) higher than Tucson

Healthcare in Tucson vs Austin

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Tucson · Individual premium

$480

Austin · Individual premium

$480

Tucson and Austin are about the same

Tucson · Family premium

$1,350

Austin · Family premium

$1,350

Tucson and Austin are about the same

Tucson · Uninsured rate

8.9%

Austin · Uninsured rate

12.2%

Austin is 3.3% (37%) higher than Tucson

Taxes in Tucson vs Austin

State income and sales tax.

Tucson · State income tax

2.5%

Austin · State income tax

0.0%

Tucson is 2.5% higher than Austin

Tucson · State sales tax

5.6%

Austin · State sales tax

6.3%

Austin is 0.7% (12%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Combined sales tax

8.4%

Austin · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Tucson is 0.2% (2%) higher than Austin

Transportation in Tucson vs Austin

Commute time and travel modes.

Tucson · Average commute

24.4 min

Austin · Average commute

25.4 min

Austin is 1.0 min (4%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Drive alone

70.7%

Austin · Drive alone

59.7%

Tucson is 11.0% (18%) higher than Austin

Tucson · Public transit

1.6%

Austin · Public transit

1.7%

Austin is 0.1% (6%) higher than Tucson

Monthly cost estimates in Tucson vs Austin

All categories combined.

Tucson · Single person

$2,971

Austin · Single person

$3,706

Austin is $735 (25%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Couple

$4,443

Austin · Couple

$5,280

Austin is $837 (19%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Family

$7,144

Austin · Family

$7,957

Austin is $813 (11%) higher than Tucson

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Tucson and Austin.

Is Tucson or Austin more expensive?

Austin is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $2,971/mo in Tucson, Arizona and $3,706/mo in Austin, Texas, a difference of about 25%.

What is the rent difference between Tucson and Austin?

Average one-bedroom rent in Tucson, Arizona is $1,052/mo versus $1,650/mo in Austin, Texas. Austin is approximately $598 (57%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Tucson or Austin?

Austin has the higher average household income. Tucson households earn approximately $67,929 per year; Austin households earn approximately $97,169 per year.

More on Tucson and Austin

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

Tucson profile Austin 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.