salaryTucson is 13% 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
$3,011
$1,358
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$1,285
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$61,553
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$266,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
96.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$1,786
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$143
👥 People living there
1,389,526
547,073
Commute to work
23.5 min
21.9 min
College degree
51%
31.1%
Own their home
47.3%
51.8%
Below poverty line
11%
18.9%
Unemployment
6%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego 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 | San Diego | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,000 | $47,220 | -51% in Tucson |
| Lawyer | $178,220 | $107,510 | -40% in Tucson |
| Carpenter | $73,200 | $49,110 | -33% in Tucson |
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | $94,110 | -33% in Tucson |
| Firefighter | $70,900 | $47,960 | -32% in Tucson |
| Police Officer | $110,400 | $76,970 | -30% in Tucson |
| Operations Manager | $119,600 | $83,610 | -30% in Tucson |
| Civil Engineer | $108,900 | $81,490 | -25% in Tucson |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Tucson is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,358 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $51,961 a year gives the same standard of living in Tucson.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or Tucson?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $61,553 in Tucson, 89% more in San Diego.