What is the cost of living in Tucson?

The cost of living in Tucson is 54.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 45.1). Groceries are 28.2% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 22.6% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,385 per month. Local purchasing power index is 168.0 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 AZ, United States · #212 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Tucson?

Q: Should I move to Tucson?

Tucson, AZ, United States has a cost of living 54.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 45.1). It is ranked #212 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 168.0 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

54.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-54.9%

vs NYC

USD 1,385

1-BR, city centre

168.0

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Tucson?

Cost breakdown: Tucson

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

45.1 Mid-priced

Rent

28.8 Very affordable

Groceries

71.8 Moderate

Restaurants

77.4 Above average

Purchasing Power

168.0 Very strong

Rent in Tucson

1-BR, city centre USD 1,385/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,088/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,123/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,680/mo

Save by going outside centre 22% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Phoenix

AZ, United States

CoL index 56.6

Compare Phoenix vs Tucson →

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