Moving from Durham to Tucson (2026)
Tucson has a COL index of 93 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$498/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10293
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,250
per month
State tax
4.5%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tucson to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Tucson |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,471 |
| $50K | $45,588 |
| $60K | $54,706 |
| $75K | $68,382 |
| $80K | $72,941 |
| $100K | $91,176 |
| $120K | $109,412 |
| $150K | $136,765 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Tucson
| Expense | Durham | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $82 | $48 |
| Utilities | $155 | $200 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,661 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Tucson has a cost of living index of 93 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Tucson?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Tucson could save roughly $498/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,976/year.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $68,382/year in Tucson. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tucson to DurhamDurham vs Tucson — full comparisonDurham 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