Moving from Boulder to Tucson (2026)
Tucson has a COL index of 93 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,077/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
13293
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,250
per month
State tax
4.4%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tucson to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Tucson |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,182 |
| $50K | $35,227 |
| $60K | $42,273 |
| $75K | $52,841 |
| $80K | $56,364 |
| $100K | $70,455 |
| $120K | $84,545 |
| $150K | $105,682 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Tucson
| Expense | Boulder | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $414 | $365 |
| Transport | $80 | $48 |
| Utilities | $138 | $200 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,661 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Tucson has a cost of living index of 93 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Tucson?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Tucson could save roughly $1,077/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,924/year.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $52,841/year in Tucson. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tucson to BoulderBoulder vs Tucson — full comparisonBoulder 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