If your search for a place to call home involves lakeside living, Tucson might not quench your thirst. There are no major rivers or large bodies of water here.
Even the Santa Cruz River is more of a dusty memory than a flowing spectacle most of the year. But what Tucson lacks in water, it makes up for in wide-open skies, glorious mountain views, and hiking trails that lure any nature lover.
Tucson, also known as the Old Pueblo, is the second most populous city in Arizona. It’s where the sunsets deserve their own gallery, and the laid-back Southwestern town vibe has just enough urban edge to keep things exciting.
If you are thinking about living in Tucson and what life here is really like, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and cost-calculating truth about relocating to Tucson.
What Does It Cost to Live Comfortably in Tucson?
Tucson is significantly more affordable than many other U.S. metro areas, and that’s a major part of its appeal. However, the cost of living here is 15% higher than the national average.
Contrary to what you would expect, housing is not the most expensive expense you will make in Tucson. The major contributing factors to this high living are transportation and healthcare.
For less than $2,000 per month, you can rent a comfortable three-bedroom apartment. It’s not uncommon to see one-bedroom and studio apartments renting for less than $1,000.
Your choice of where to live in and near Tucson will determine what you pay. While the average rent in the Rita Ranch neighborhood soars as high as $1,900+, you can live in Keeling, Midtown, Miramonte, and Amphi for less than $1,100.
- Average House Rent: $1,253
- Median Home Value: $359,900
However, with the savings you make from housing costs, you are likely to spend double that on accessing quality healthcare and navigating the city.
Healthcare costs in Tucson, AZ, are 251% higher than the national average. A doctor’s visit will cost about $509.88, and you will need about $416.20 to see a dentist.
| Expense Category | Compared to the National Average |
| Housing | 5% lower |
| Utilities | 2% lower |
| Food | 6% higher |
| Healthcare | 251% higher |
| Transportation | 20% lower |
Note:
To live comfortably in Tucson, a single person would need to earn around $45,000 – $55,000 per year, while a family of four should aim for $85,000 – $95,000 per year.
Education in the Old Pueblo
About six school districts serve Tucson, Arizona. While the numbers are good for widespread access, it also means that the quality of education in these districts varies widely.
There are school districts in Tucson with above-average, average, and below-average ratings when compared to all Arizona and U.S. school districts. Two school districts stand out though: the Catalina Foothills Unified District and the Tanque Verde Unified District.
Living in Tucson, you can make your choice of school from any of the following top-rated schools:
- University High School
- BASIS Tucson Primary
- Fruchthändler Elementary School
- Hermosa Montessori Charter
- Senita Valley Elementary School
- BASIS Tucson North (a standout charter school)
- Esmond Station School
- Tanque Verde High School
However, if private schooling is your route, options like St. Gregory College Preparatory or Salpointe Catholic High School offer solid reputations.
The Economy and Job Market
Tucson’s economy is steadily expanding with key sectors like healthcare, education, retail, construction, and tourism leading the charge.
Major employers include:
- Raytheon Missiles and Defense
- Banner Health
- Tucson Medical Center
- University of Arizona
Although the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average, it has been on a decline compared to Q1 of 2025. Plus, job growth has been positive, and remote work has become increasingly viable, thanks to affordable housing and decent internet infrastructure.
Local service industries have also seen steady demand. Everything from tech support to logistics and even a Tucson moving company or two has benefited from the city’s population growth and housing turnover.
- Population: 547,239
- Median Household Income: $54,546
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
- Poverty Rate: 18.8%
However… The downside to the job market and economy here is what makes the pros and cons of living in Tucson — wages tend to be lower than the national average. The average salary in Tucson, AZ, is $76,000, lower than the national average.
One of the few professionals who earns a salary higher than $100,000 is a senior systems engineer. Sadly, locals in service and education roles may find it harder to build wealth.
Transportation
Tucson isn’t known for its public transportation, though the Sun Tran bus system and the Sun Link streetcar serve some parts of the city.
The city is spread out, and many neighborhoods are heavily reliant on cars. About 94.4% of residents drive themselves, while only 1.6% rely on public transit for transportation.
…however, commuting is relatively stress-free by big-city standards.
The average commute time is 20.4 minutes, which is about 1.6 minutes less than the national average. However, gas prices come at a premium in Tucson.
Luckily, Tucson features bike lanes, and ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in the Southwest. Although you’ll find that living in Tucson and pedaling to work in June when the temperature is over 100°F is not practical.
Weather and Climate
Speaking of temperatures over 100°F, here’s the desert truth: Tucson is hot in summer, often exceeding 100°F in June and July. But locals are quick to remind you that it’s all dry heat.
Newcomers often assume Tucson is a year-round inferno, but the reality is more nuanced. Monsoon season, from July to September, brings afternoon thunderstorms and a wild beauty that residents adore.
Winter is a great season for hiking, as daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to the low-70s. But if you have allergies, you should be cautious of Tucson’s desert flora. Mesquite and palo verde can be surprisingly sneeze-inducing.
The Average Seasonal Temperature in Tucson, AZ
Winter — 53°F
Fall — 71°F
Spring — 70°F
Summer — 86°F
Diversity and Culture
Tucson has deep roots in Mexican-American and Native American culture. This cultural richness is reflected in its diverse food, vibrant art, distinctive architecture, and annual festivals.
About 43.7% of residents living in Tucson are White, and 42.7% more identify as Hispanic or Latino. In the Tucson community, there’s a growing sense of inclusivity and cross-cultural pride.
Key cultural events include:
- All Souls Procession, a community-wide remembrance march held in November and inspired by the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos.
- Tucson Festival of Books, where people come to discuss the latest books and generally celebrate literature.
- Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the biggest in the world that attracts lots of gem collectors.
The city is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in the U.S. Thanks to its fusion of ancient agricultural traditions and innovative culinary scene, this was possible.
Crime Rate
Is Tucson a good place to move to when it comes to safety?
Tucson’s overall crime rate is above the national average, especially for property crime. However, there are still many safe, family-friendly areas like Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley, and Civano. They tend to have lower crime rates.
The eastern part of the city experiences the most crime incidents despite residents considering the southeast to be the safest area.
According to crime statistics, the West is the safest region, with approximately 157 crime incidents reported annually.
| per 1,000 Residents | Tucson Median | Arizona Median | National Median |
| Violent Crime | 5.86 | 4.09 | 4.0 |
| Property Crime | 29.43 | 17.97 | 19.0 |
Your New Backyard: Mountains, Mesquite & Magic
If you love sunshine, wide-open desert views, a slower pace of life, and the idea of never shoveling snow again, Tucson just might be your paradise.
Sure, you will have to make peace with a lack of beaches and develop a relationship with your air conditioner. But, the city’s natural beauty, cultural spirit, and relative affordability all make living in Tucson a worthwhile consideration.
So, when are you relocating?