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Houston vs Tucson

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Tucson is 1% more expensive than Houston overall.Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs Tucson at 96 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Houston costs 4% more.

Pierre
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Houston
TX
95
COLI index
VS
Tucson
AZ
96
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryHoustonTucsonDifference
Overall COLI9596+1%
Housing105108+3%
Groceries103102-1%
Transport104104Same
Healthcare101102+1%
Utilities112107-4%

Median 1BR Rent

Houston
$1,350/mo
Tucson
$1,250/mo

Median Home Price

Houston
$265,000
Tucson
$285,000

Median Household Income

Houston
$56,019
Tucson
$48,393

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Frequently Asked Questions

Houston is cheaper to live in overall. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 while Tucson has an index of 96, where 100 represents the US national average. Tucson is 1% more expensive than Houston overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Houston is $1,350 per month compared to $1,250 in Tucson. The median home price in Houston is $265,000 versus $285,000 in Tucson. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Houston has a cost of living index of 95 and Tucson has an index of 96, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Houston, multiply by 1.01. For example a $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to approximately $75,789 in Tucson.

Houston has a median household income of $56,019 per year versus $48,393 in Tucson. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Houston to Tucson is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Tucson is 1% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.