Which Is Better? Tucson vs. Phoenix
Considering a move to sunny Arizona? With some of the most stunning vistas in the country, not to mention plenty of vibrant cities to explore and modest taxes, the Grand Canyon State is a great place to call home. The big question is – which is the best city to live in? Tucson and Phoenix are two of the top options. Tucson for its natural beauty and charm; Phoenix, for its size and variety of jobs and amenities.
When it comes down to choosing where to settle and call home, one of the most important factors to look at is value. What city offers the lifestyle you desire, as well as a cost of living that enables you to enjoy all that Arizona has to offer?
Tucson vs. Phoenix: Cost of Living
Overall, it is 13.2 percent more expensive to live in Phoenix than in Tucson. The biggest factor at play here is home prices. Median home prices are about $53,600 higher in Phoenix. To compare home values of Tucson VS Phoenix click here.
What about other essentials, such as food, health care, and energy costs?
Tucson beats Phoenix in these areas as well when it comes to getting more for your dollar. Your grocery bill will likely be the same in either city, but utilities, on average, cost 2.4 percent more in Phoenix. Transportation expenses are 22 percent higher, and healthcare is 13.1 percent more expensive.
How Big Is Phoenix Compared to Tucson?
One of the reasons Tucson has a lower cost of living is its size. With about one-third of the population of Phoenix, this southern Arizona city offers a more laid-back lifestyle and a friendly, community vibe.
Tucson is still a big enough city for those who appreciate the arts, nightlife, and thriving foodie scene only found in larger metropolitan areas. Yet, it’s small enough to offer the character and quaintness that’s typical in a mid-size city. As of 2019, the population of Tucson was 541,482.
Phoenix has 1.633 million residents. At this level, you’ll never run out of things to do or venues to explore. There may be more traffic and more urban sprawl, but Arizona’s largest city is a great choice if job variety and endless adventure is your cup of tea.
There’s no question that both cities have a lot of appeal, as well as a few drawbacks. To help you decide where you should move if you’re relocating to Arizona, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each city.
Pros of Living in Tucson
Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers
With Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park to the west and Mica Mountain to the east, Tucson is located in a special corner of the American Southwest known for its incomparable beauty. Whether you’re a fan of skiing and snowboarding, hiking, or camping among huge cacti, you’ll love living in the Tucson area.
You won’t ever have to travel far to enjoy a serene hike. Tumamoc Hill – a National Historic Landmark dotted with saguaros – and plenty of riverfront trails and well-maintained biking paths on “The Loop” are located in the city.
Overflowing with character
Tucson has managed to retain its charm over the years. You’ll find a lot of independent restaurants and cafes, a great music scene, and exciting events throughout the year ranging from the Tucson Rodeo to the colorful Gem & Jam Festival. Tucson has a rich cultural heritage, which you’ll notice when visiting local churches and missions, as well as all the museums.
Plenty of perks for families and retirees
Both the old and young can thrive in Tucson. With warm weather, a reasonable cost of living, and the right balance of serenity and culture, the city is a popular spot for those looking to move somewhere pleasant during retirement. Well-kept playgrounds, community pools, and the best school district in the state make Tucson a win for kids.
Cons of Living in Tucson
Extreme weather in the summer months
One of the downsides of living in Tucson is the heat. The city is in the Sonoran Desert, so expect temperatures in the 90s and 100s during the summer months. There’s also monsoons from June to September, which bring sudden, intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail.
Lack of job opportunities
Another con is the job market. There isn’t the variety of high paying jobs you’d find in other Arizona cities. The main industries in Tucson are aerospace, education, and healthcare, and the leading employers are the military and the University of Arizona.
Pros of Living in Phoenix
Vibrant performing arts scene
Phoenix always has something for lovers of the arts to enjoy. Between the Phoenix Opera and The Orpheum Theatre, and half a dozen stand-up comedy and improve clubs, you’ll never run short on options.
Foodie haven
While Tucson has plenty of must-try restaurants such as El Charro Café for chimichangas and Tumerico for vegan tostadas, Phoenix is a larger city with more options. You’ll dine on world-class cuisine and local classics. Sushi, Indian, American comfort food, Southwest cuisine – there’s something for everyone.
Dynamic job market
In 2018 and 2019, Phoenix ranked second in the U.S. for job growth. There are simply more job opportunities here than in Tucson, and experts forecast continued growth across a variety of industries, including technology, transportation, finance, energy, and healthcare..
Cons of Living in Phoenix
Not walk or bike-friendly
Phoenix isn’t a very walkable city. It was also ranked 44th on a list of U.S. cities that promote an active lifestyle. Tucson was number 20. There may be lots to do in the area, but you’ll also have to spend a lot of time driving and sitting in traffic to take advantage of what the city offers.
High heat and dust storms
While the sunshine and mild winters are great, the weather isn’t perfect in Phoenix. Being in the Valley of the Sun means excessively high temperatures in the summer and regular dust storms.
Where Should You Move.. Tucson or Phoenix?
Both cities offer sunshine and plenty of opportunities to create the lifestyle you want. In the debate of Tucson vs. Phoenix, the winner depends on what you’re looking for. Phoenix is a larger city with more jobs, tons of great restaurants, and a vibrant performing arts scene. Tucson has undeniable character, the people have an easy-going attitude, and you’ll have an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Browse properties available in Tucson to find your dream home.
FREE MOVING TRUCK
Use eXp Realty, Kolb Executive Group, in Tucson to Buy or Sell a Home… Use or Moving Truck for FREE!
Contact Tyler Ford
Get Social
