Cost of Living in Tucson AZ: An Affordable Haven Compared to Phoenix and Other Cities

Introduction to Tucson's Housing Crisis and Inflation

Like many cities across the US, Tucson is grappling with a housing crisis, with people moving from places like California, Texas, and Florida. However, our city has an interesting mix of affordable houses for sale, especially compared to other cities. While housing prices continue to rise, there are several affordable nearby towns, such as Sierra Vista, Green Valley, and Sahuarita. Come and explore what Tucson has to offer!

Average Rent and Housing Prices

The average rent in Tucson is around $1,600 per month, and you could find a room to rent for as low as $700. This places Tucson as a very affordable city compared to much of the country. Taking the average USA Cost Of Living as 100, Tucson’s cost of living comes in at 95.7, making it 4.4% less expensive than the average American community.

Common Living Expenses in Tucson

Living in Tucson is reasonably priced when compared to the national average. Here are some common living expenses as of 2021:

2-bedroom apartment: $928 (US average: $1,278) - 27% lower Groceries: 4.5% lower in Tucson Healthcare expenses: 14.6% lower in Tucson Transportation: 3.4% cheaper in Tucson

Housing prices in Tucson are about 20% lower compared to Phoenix. Costs in other areas such as healthcare, transportation, and income levels are similarly comparable. However, certain areas like the Catalina Foothills offer amenities comparable to Scottsdale, though without the higher cost of Paradise Valley.

Tempe's Cost of Living

Tempe, a suburb of Phoenix, falls within the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro area and is ranked 160 out of 273 cities in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Tempe is estimated to be 92.1% of the national average, making it an average cost of living city.

Monthly Expenditure Factors

Your total monthly expenditure in Tempe would depend on various factors including:

Cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare Other miscellaneous goods and services Your household composition (single or married, number of kids) Your home ownership status (renting vs. owning)

The median household income in Tempe is $57,994, which is slightly less than the state median of $58,213. The median income for an individual in Tempe is $30,784, which is slightly less than the state median of $31,677.

Minimum Salary for Living in Tempe

The minimum salary you need to live in Tempe would be the sum of your daily expenses (groceries, utilities, transportation, entertainment), your monthly housing-related costs (rent or mortgage, insurance, maintenance), debt expenses (interest payments and principal paydowns), and your savings and investment goals.

Conclusion

Tucson offers a balanced and affordable living experience, with lower housing prices, grocery costs, healthcare expenses, and transportation. While Tempe is also an average cost of living city, it’s essential to consider individual household needs and income levels when determining affordability. Consider Tucson if you’re looking for a cost-effective and beautiful place to call home.