Tucson vs Scottsdale: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Scottsdale is 32% more expensive than Tucson. Scottsdale is 7% safer. Scottsdale has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Tucson population: 548,371. Scottsdale population: 243,006.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Tucson vs Scottsdale
Tucson is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 125 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 30 index points.
| Category | Tucson | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 95 | 125 |
| Housing | $1,869/moIndex: 105 | $3,293/moIndex: 185 |
| Groceries | $402/moIndex: 98 | $418/moIndex: 102 |
| Transportation | $350/moIndex: 100 | $357/moIndex: 102 |
| Healthcare | $314/moIndex: 98 | $326/moIndex: 102 |
| Utilities | $224/moIndex: 102 | $231/moIndex: 105 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Tucson vs Scottsdale
Scottsdale is 7% safer overall, with a crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents vs Tucson's 21.8. Scottsdale earns a B- safety grade compared to Tucson's B-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Tucson
Arizona
Scottsdale
Arizona
| Metric | Tucson | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 21.8/1K | 20.2/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 389.5 | 120.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1787.4 | 1900.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 1.8 |
| Assault Rate | 252.4 | 99.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 80.5 | 17.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 311.0 | 326.4 |
| Theft Rate | 1496.8 | 1416.3 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 404.3 | 374.3 |
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 50 in Scottsdale.
Climate: Tucson vs Scottsdale
Tucson Climate Overview
Scottsdale Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Tucson | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 83.4°F | 86.7°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 55.3°F | 61.5°F |
| Annual Rain | 11.2" | 7.8" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Scottsdale is 5°F warmer in summer than Tucson, but Tucson is 4°F colder in winter than Scottsdale. Scottsdale has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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