Phoenix vs Tucson: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Phoenix is 11% more expensive than Tucson. Tucson is 42% safer. Phoenix has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Phoenix population: 1,665,481. Tucson population: 548,371.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Phoenix vs Tucson
Tucson is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 105 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.
| Category | Phoenix | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 105 | 95 |
| Housing | $2,314/moIndex: 130 | $1,869/moIndex: 105 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $402/moIndex: 98 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $314/moIndex: 98 |
| Utilities | $231/moIndex: 105 | $224/moIndex: 102 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Phoenix vs Tucson
Tucson is 42% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 residents vs Phoenix's 37.5. Tucson earns a B- safety grade compared to Phoenix's D. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Phoenix
Arizona
Tucson
Arizona
| Metric | Phoenix | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 37.5/1K | 21.8/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 550.0 | 389.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3200.0 | 1787.4 |
| Murder Rate | 8.0 | 4.7 |
| Assault Rate | 436.3 | 252.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.2 | 80.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 411.7 | 311.0 |
| Theft Rate | 2759.4 | 1496.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 680.5 | 404.3 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Phoenix, you have a 1 in 27 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 46 in Tucson.
Climate: Phoenix vs Tucson
Phoenix Climate Overview
Tucson Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 86.8°F | 83.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 62.4°F | 55.3°F |
| Annual Rain | 7.3" | 11.2" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Phoenix is 5°F warmer in summer than Tucson, but Tucson is 5°F colder in winter than Phoenix. Phoenix has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix cheaper than Tucson?
Is Phoenix safer than Tucson?
Which city has better weather, Phoenix or Tucson?
Should I move to Phoenix or Tucson?
How big is Phoenix compared to Tucson?
Is housing cheaper in Phoenix or Tucson?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities