Cost of living in Tucson
Tucson, located in the heart of Arizona, is known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in Tucson is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Tucson, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $12 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $45 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $9 and $13.99.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $7, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $3.69 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.25 to $3.23.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.95, with an average price of $3.53.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.6 to $5.39, averaging $4.07.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.14 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.12 to $8.8 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.52 and $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.25 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $2, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.17 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.75, with a cost of $1.37 to $3.11 per km and $36 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1800, averaging $1295.75.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1600, averaging $1177.64.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1700 to $3000, averaging $2275.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1600 to $2500, averaging $1922.73.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2475.7 to $2699, averaging $2550.13.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2454 to $2475.7, averaging $2468.47.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $154.55 and $450, averaging $299.96.
- Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $160, with an average cost of $87.04.
Cost of Living Rankings
Tucson ranks 32nd on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Tucson offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the United States. Dining and grocery prices are moderate, making it easier to manage daily expenses.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Transportation is quite affordable, especially with low costs for public transport and gasoline.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Tucson.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tucson presents a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining, transportation, and housing. The city is an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger metropolitan areas.
Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Tucson, benefiting from its moderate expenses and diverse amenities.