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Tucson vs Mesa: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Mesa is 5% more expensive than Tucson. Tucson is 8% safer. Tucson population: 548,371. Mesa population: 513,656.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingTucson
SafetyTucson
HousingTucson

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Tucson vs Mesa

Tucson is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 100 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 5 index points.

CategoryTucsonMesa
Overall Index95100
Housing$1,869/moIndex: 105$2,100/moIndex: 118
Groceries$402/moIndex: 98$406/moIndex: 99
Transportation$350/moIndex: 100$357/moIndex: 102
Healthcare$314/moIndex: 98$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$224/moIndex: 102$229/moIndex: 104

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Tucson vs Mesa

Tucson is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 residents vs Mesa's 23.6. Tucson earns a B- safety grade compared to Mesa's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Tucson

Arizona

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate21.8/1K
TrendDeclining
C+

Mesa

Arizona

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.6/1K
TrendStable
MetricTucsonMesa
Overall Crime Rate21.8/1K23.6/1K
Violent Crime Rate389.5480.0
Property Crime Rate1787.41876.3
Murder Rate4.76.5
Assault Rate252.4319.4
Robbery Rate80.555.0
Burglary Rate311.0251.3
Theft Rate1496.81356.9
Vehicle Theft Rate404.3206.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Tucson, you have a 1 in 46 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Mesa.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Tucson. A full comparison requires both cities.

Tucson Climate Overview

Annual High83.4°F
Annual Low55.3°F
Annual Rain11.2"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthDecember
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarmHot

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tucson cheaper than Mesa?
Tucson is 5% more affordable than Mesa, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 100 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $1,869/mo in Tucson vs $2,100/mo in Mesa.
Is Tucson safer than Mesa?
Tucson is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 residents vs Mesa's 23.6. Tucson earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Tucson or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson is safer (B- grade). Tucson is more affordable (index 95 vs 100). Tucson has a population of 548,371 and Mesa has 513,656. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Tucson compared to Mesa?
Tucson has a population of 548,371 and Mesa has 513,656. Tucson is 7% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Tucson or Mesa?
Housing is cheaper in Tucson. Estimated monthly housing costs: Tucson $1,869/mo vs Mesa $2,100/mo. That's based on a housing index of 105 vs 118 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Tucson Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Mesa Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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.

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