salaryTucson is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tucson to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,826
$1,358
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$1,285
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$61,553
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$266,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
96.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$1,786
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$143
👥 People living there
511,764
547,073
Commute to work
24.7 min
21.9 min
College degree
32.5%
31.1%
Own their home
64.4%
51.8%
Below poverty line
10.3%
18.9%
Unemployment
4.2%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Tucson for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $47,530 | $36,490 | -23% in Tucson |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $47,960 | -22% in Tucson |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $107,510 | -21% in Tucson |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $47,220 | -20% in Tucson |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,590 | $59,540 | -20% in Tucson |
| Carpenter | $60,320 | $49,110 | -19% in Tucson |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | $83,610 | -15% in Tucson |
| Customer Service Representative | $46,410 | $40,090 | -14% in Tucson |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Tucson is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,358 a month there versus $1,826 in Mesa.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match $60,000 in Mesa?
About $56,272 a year gives the same standard of living in Tucson.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or Tucson?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $61,553 in Tucson, 45% more in Mesa.