Tucson, Arizona
Desert gem with university energy
U.S. News (2025)
#58 Best Places to Live
Livability (2025)
#45 Top 100 Best Places to Live
WhereAtHome Score
68.6
D+out of 100
Overview
Tucson offers a more affordable and laid-back alternative to Phoenix, anchored by the University of Arizona. The city celebrates its Sonoran Desert setting and Mexican heritage. Outdoor recreation abounds in the surrounding mountains, while lower costs attract retirees and those seeking a slower pace.
Key Highlights
- University of Arizona flagship campus
- Saguaro National Park on both sides of city
- UNESCO City of Gastronomy
- Very affordable cost of living
- Rich Mexican-American cultural heritage
- Mild winters, less extreme than Phoenix
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Pima County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
100°F
Winter Low
41°F
Annual Rainfall
12"
Sunny Days
286
Amenities & Infrastructure
120+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
6 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
2 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
Similar Cities by Score
San Luis, AZ
Small Arizona city with local appeal
Median Home
$237,608
Population
37,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
20
Sierra Vista, AZ
Small Arizona city with local appeal
Median Home
$301,950
Population
44,431
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
25
Nogales, AZ
Small Arizona city with local appeal
Median Home
$222,091
Population
19,702
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
30