Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Tucson, Arizona

In Tucson, Arizona, a gallon of regular gas costs $4.70 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.63 above the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,447, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Tucson's cost-of-living index of 90 puts it below the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$4.70

National: $4.06

204.9%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,447

National: $1,900

27.9%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$11.82

Combo meal

4.6%YoY

Electricity

15.61¢

per kWh · ~$140/mo

10.2%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$202/mo

$2,420/yr

12.6%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$67,929

35.9% goes to essentials

35.9%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Find Apartments

Avg rent $1,447/mo in Tucson. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$4.77 BLS avg

+23.3%

Bacon (lb)

$7.57 BLS avg

+26.4%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.74 BLS avg

+28.9%

Pasta (lb)

$1.90 BLS avg

+31.0%

Rice (5 lb)

$4.82 BLS avg

+27.2%

Coffee (12 oz)

$11.65 BLS avg

+45.8%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.21 BLS avg

+43.1%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.31 BLS avg

+14.6%

Apples (3 lb)

$4.91 BLS avg

+12.6%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.68 BLS avg

+28.2%

Lettuce (head)

$2.14 BLS avg

+28.9%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.48 BLS avg

+44.7%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.71 BLS avg

+20.5%

Cereal (family size)

$5.83 BLS avg

+33.1%

Frozen Pizza

$8.49 BLS avg

+48.7%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$11.82

Casual Dining

$21.22

Monthly Spend

$394.42

+4.62% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $7.33

$11.82

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $8.27

$12.77

+54.4%

Chipotle

2022: $8.87

$13.24

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $3.90

$5.41

+38.7%

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Looking for an Apartment in Tucson?

Average 1BR: $1,187/mo · 2BR: $1,707/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

386k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,191

$62k/yr

Top Sector

Education & Health Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$68k

household median

Employment by Sector — Tucson

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Education & Health Services
+6.3% 5yr$1,120/wk
18.5%

~$58k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
+10.8% 5yr$915/wk
17.9%

~$48k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+0.0% 5yr$556/wk
11.6%

~$29k/yr

Professional & Business Services
-14.2% 5yr$1,351/wk
10.9%

~$70k/yr

Construction
+3.0% 5yr$2,104/wk
7.4%

~$109k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 04019

Highest Paying Sector

Construction

$2,104/wk · $109k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$556/wk · $29k/yr

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