North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Tucson
The average cost of living in Tucson, United States is $1,692 per month for a single person, and $3,516 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,349 per month. The local average net salary is $4,037 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 38.5 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,692 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,516 / mo
- Student
- $966 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Tucson
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,037 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Tucson | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Tucson | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Tucson | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Tucson | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Tucson | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Tucson | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Tucson | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Tucson | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Tucson | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Tucson | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Tucson FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Tucson. |
Rent & Property Prices in Tucson
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,349 | $1,100 – $1,600 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,086 | $900 – $1,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,304 | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,814 | $1,560 – $2,500 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,498 | $3,350 – $5,274 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,565 | $2,476 – $2,906 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,349$1,100 – $1,600
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,086$900 – $1,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,304$1,800 – $3,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,814$1,560 – $2,500
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,498$3,350 – $5,274
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,565$2,476 – $2,906
Grocery Prices in Tucson
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.92 | $0.68 – $1.32 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.51 | $2.20 – $4.95 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $5.51 | $3.75 – $8.82 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.29 | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $13 | $7.50 – $22 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $11 | $4.41 – $20 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $17 | $11 – $22 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.61 | $3.00 – $6.61 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.92 | $1.30 – $4.41 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.85 | $2.20 – $8.80 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.20 | $1.96 – $6.61 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.50 | $1.65 – $3.31 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.91 | $1.52 – $4.41 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.11 | $1.35 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.23 | $1.70 – $3.50 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $8.00 – $28 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.48 | $2.10 – $2.86 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.68 | $2.25 – $5.95 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $11 | $9.00 – $12 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.92$0.68 – $1.32
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.51$2.20 – $4.95
- White Rice (1 kg) $5.51$3.75 – $8.82
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.29$3.00 – $7.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $13$7.50 – $22
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $11$4.41 – $20
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $17$11 – $22
- Apples (1 kg) $4.61$3.00 – $6.61
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.92$1.30 – $4.41
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.85$2.20 – $8.80
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.20$1.96 – $6.61
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.50$1.65 – $3.31
- Onions (1 kg) $2.91$1.52 – $4.41
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.11$1.35 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.23$1.70 – $3.50
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$8.00 – $28
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.48$2.10 – $2.86
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.68$2.25 – $5.95
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $11$9.00 – $12
Public Transport & Car Costs in Tucson
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.00 | $0.00 – $1.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $0.00 | $0.00 – $60 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.75 | $2.75 – $5.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.37 | $1.37 – $1.37 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $36 | $36 – $36 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.91 | $0.74 – $1.25 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,293 | $36,293 – $36,674 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,574 | $25,096 – $25,733 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.00$0.00 – $1.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $0.00$0.00 – $60
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.75$2.75 – $5.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.37$1.37 – $1.37
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $36$36 – $36
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.91$0.74 – $1.25
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,293$36,293 – $36,674
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,574$25,096 – $25,733
Utility & Internet Costs in Tucson
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $221 | $150 – $395 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $69 | $35 – $119 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $74 | $50 – $189 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $221$150 – $395
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $69$35 – $119
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $74$50 – $189
Childcare & Preschool in Tucson
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,100 | $1,000 – $1,125 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $15,605 | $15,605 – $15,605 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,100$1,000 – $1,125
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $15,605$15,605 – $15,605
Clothing Prices in Tucson
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $51 | $30 – $65 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $41 | $30 – $45 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $87 | $50 – $120 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $109 | $50 – $125 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $51$30 – $65
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $41$30 – $45
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $87$50 – $120
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $109$50 – $125
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Tucson
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $38 | $16 – $69 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $10 | $10 – $10 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $13 | $10 – $18 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $38$16 – $69
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $10$10 – $10
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $13$10 – $18
Restaurant Prices in Tucson
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 | $12 – $35 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $75 | $50 – $125 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $12 | $10 – $15 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.50 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.75 | $6.00 – $12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.27 | $3.50 – $8.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.73 | $2.00 – $3.50 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.31 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $18$12 – $35
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $75$50 – $125
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $12$10 – $15
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.50$4.00 – $8.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.75$6.00 – $12
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.27$3.50 – $8.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.73$2.00 – $3.50
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.31$2.00 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Tucson
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,037 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.04% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,037
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.04%
Compare Tucson with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Cincinnati
Monthly / 1 person
$1,687
vs NYC
38.3/100
United States
Oklahoma-City
Monthly / 1 person
$1,703
vs NYC
38.7/100
United States
Rochester
Monthly / 1 person
$1,726
vs NYC
39.2/100
United States
San-Antonio
Monthly / 1 person
$1,728
vs NYC
39.3/100
United States
Detroit
Monthly / 1 person
$1,647
vs NYC
37.4/100
United States
Saint-Louis
Monthly / 1 person
$1,750
vs NYC
39.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Tucson?
- An estimated $1,692 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Tucson. A family of four needs around $3,516 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $966.
- How much money do I need to live in Tucson?
- Plan for at least $1,692 per month as a single person, $3,516 per month for a family of four, or $966 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Tucson.
- What is the average rent in Tucson?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Tucson rents for around $1,349 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,304 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Tucson?
- The average monthly net salary in Tucson is around $4,037. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 33% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Tucson?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Tucson costs around $18. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $92 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.92/L) and bread ($3.51/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Tucson?
- A monthly public transport pass in Tucson costs around $0.00. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Tucson?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Tucson costs around $74 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.