Tucson, AZ, US
College town with saguaro cacti, 286 sunny days, and affordable desert living.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Tucson vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.6%
- Sales Tax: 8.7%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $48,000
- Unemployment: 3.9%
- Population: 546,574
Climate
- Sunny Days: 286/year
- Summer High: 100°F
- Winter Low: 40°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $310,000
- 1BR Rent: $1100/mo
Cost of Living
Tucson's cost of living index is 95.8 (US average = 100).
| Category | Tucson | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95.8 | 100 | -4.2% |
| Housing | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $310,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1100/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $206 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tucson:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $140 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $39 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $56 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $65 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $385 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Tucson scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Tucson has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F | 40°F | 2.5" |
| April | 85°F | 55°F | 2.8" |
| July | 100°F | 75°F | 1.5" |
| October | 80°F | 58°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Tucson faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat in the Sonoran Desert.
Arid desert environment.
Wildfire risk in surrounding mountains.
Dust storms in the Sonoran Desert.
Flash floods during monsoon season.
Active seismic region.
Flash floods.
Winter storms in mountains.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.59%
- Sales Tax: 8.7%
- Property Tax: ~1.05% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Tucson per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ, US?
The cost of living index in Tucson is 95.8, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Tucson?
The median home price in Tucson is $310,000. The housing index is 88.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tucson is approximately $1100/mo.
Does Tucson, AZ have income tax?
Tucson is in AZ, which has an income tax rate of 2.59%.
What is the climate like in Tucson?
Tucson enjoys approximately 286 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 100°F, while winter lows can drop to around 40°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.