Moving from Austin to Tucson (2026)
Tucson has a COL index of 93 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$534/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12293
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,250
per month
State tax
None2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tucson to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Tucson |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,492 |
| $50K | $38,115 |
| $60K | $45,738 |
| $75K | $57,172 |
| $80K | $60,984 |
| $100K | $76,230 |
| $120K | $91,475 |
| $150K | $114,344 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Tucson
| Expense | Austin | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $50 | $48 |
| Utilities | $170 | $200 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,661 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Tucson has a cost of living index of 93 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Tucson?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Tucson could save roughly $534/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,408/year.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $57,172/year in Tucson. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tucson to AustinAustin vs Tucson — full comparisonAustin cost of livingTucson cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only