Moving from Raleigh to Tucson (2026)
Tucson has a COL index of 93 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$422/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10193
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$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 Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Tucson |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,832 |
| $50K | $46,040 |
| $60K | $55,248 |
| $75K | $69,059 |
| $80K | $73,663 |
| $100K | $92,079 |
| $120K | $110,495 |
| $150K | $138,119 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Tucson
| Expense | Raleigh | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $70 | $48 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,661 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Tucson has a cost of living index of 93 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Tucson?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Tucson could save roughly $422/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,064/year.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $69,059/year in Tucson. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tucson to RaleighRaleigh vs Tucson — full comparisonRaleigh 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