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Tucson, AZ, United States
Capital City

Follows United States Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,370
Retiree Score
81.0
Safety Index
60.1
Healthcare
34 facilities

With a population of 542,629, Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, but its charm comes with some serious caveats. The desert climate can be brutal, with average summer highs over 100°F and a paltry 10.61 inches of annual rainfall. And while the city touts itself as "bicycle-friendly," recent data shows it's actually the 5th most dangerous place in the U.S. for cyclists. Persistent bureaucratic headaches, from the sprawling city layout to the unwieldy local government, can also make daily life a slog. Tucson may appeal to those seeking an affordable, laidback Southwestern vibe, but the harsh environment and practical challenges mean it's not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Tucson, AZ?

$

Tucson, AZ

You could save

630/mo

Savings Rate21%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,020

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
21/100
Retiree Score
(i)
81/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
53/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets United States Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
60
Safety
34
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$5
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$18
Meal (Mid-range) $91
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $242
Mobile Plan (mo) $73
Gym (mo) *$40
Cinema Ticket $13

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $1,350
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,355
3BR Center (mo) $2,450
3BR Outside (mo) *$2,228

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Sam Hughes, Catalina Foothills
Best For
retirees, nature lovers

Expat Life Notes

A relaxed desert city with a major university and world-class astronomical observatories.

Pros

  • ✓ Stunning desert nature
  • ✓ Low cost for the West Coast US
  • ✓ Artsy and academic atmosphere

Cons

  • ✗ High summer heat
  • ✗ Lower job market outside university/tech
  • ✗ Sprawling

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
5°C°C - 38°C°C
Annual Rainfall
312 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Nov, Dec

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Tucson, AZ

Click any question to expand the answer.

Tucson, AZ has a population of approximately 542,629 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,375 per month in Tucson, AZ, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1350/month.

The nearest airport to Tucson, AZ is TUS, approximately 12km away.

Tucson, AZ is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 60.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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