Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,978 in Massachusetts. Overall, Arizona runs roughly 37% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $94,755 in Massachusetts — about 19% higher in Massachusetts. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Arizona vs Massachusetts — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Massachusetts?
- Arizona is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,253 runs about 37% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Massachusetts?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $79,000 in Massachusetts.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Massachusetts?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Massachusetts — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.