Side-by-side comparison

Tucson vs San Diego

Cost of living comparison for Tucson, Arizona and San Diego, California.

Bottom line

San Diego is approximately 52% more expensive than Tucson. A single person needs about $4,511/mo in San Diego versus $2,971/mo in Tucson.

Rent in Tucson vs San Diego

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Tucson · Studio

$941

San Diego · Studio

$2,145

San Diego is $1,204 (128%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · 1 bedroom

$1,052

San Diego · 1 bedroom

$2,328

San Diego is $1,276 (121%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · 2 bedroom

$1,373

San Diego · 2 bedroom

$2,881

San Diego is $1,508 (110%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · 3 bedroom

$1,924

San Diego · 3 bedroom

$3,852

San Diego is $1,928 (100%) higher than Tucson

Income & earnings in Tucson vs San Diego

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Tucson · Household income

$67,929

San Diego · Household income

$102,285

San Diego is $34,356 (51%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Individual earnings

$37,642

San Diego · Individual earnings

$49,552

San Diego is $11,910 (32%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Per capita

$38,564

San Diego · Per capita

$49,891

San Diego is $11,327 (29%) higher than Tucson

Home values in Tucson vs San Diego

Average values and property tax.

Tucson · Average home value

$286,900

San Diego · Average home value

$791,600

San Diego is $504,700 (176%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Annual property tax

$2,248

San Diego · Annual property tax

$5,542

San Diego is $3,294 (147%) higher than Tucson

Energy in Tucson vs San Diego

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Tucson · Monthly electricity

$150

San Diego · Monthly electricity

$167

San Diego is $17 (11%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Monthly gas

$39

San Diego · Monthly gas

$50

San Diego is $11 (28%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Annual total

$2,268

San Diego · Annual total

$2,604

San Diego is $336 (15%) higher than Tucson

Healthcare in Tucson vs San Diego

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Tucson · Individual premium

$480

San Diego · Individual premium

$480

Tucson and San Diego are about the same

Tucson · Family premium

$1,350

San Diego · Family premium

$1,350

Tucson and San Diego are about the same

Tucson · Uninsured rate

8.9%

San Diego · Uninsured rate

6.8%

Tucson is 2.1% (31%) higher than San Diego

Taxes in Tucson vs San Diego

State income and sales tax.

Tucson · State income tax

2.5%

San Diego · State income tax

13.3%

San Diego is 10.8% (432%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · State sales tax

5.6%

San Diego · State sales tax

7.3%

San Diego is 1.7% (29%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Combined sales tax

8.4%

San Diego · Combined sales tax

8.8%

San Diego is 0.5% (6%) higher than Tucson

Transportation in Tucson vs San Diego

Commute time and travel modes.

Tucson · Average commute

24.4 min

San Diego · Average commute

25.9 min

San Diego is 1.5 min (6%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Drive alone

70.7%

San Diego · Drive alone

67.6%

Tucson is 3.1% (5%) higher than San Diego

Tucson · Public transit

1.6%

San Diego · Public transit

2.2%

San Diego is 0.6% (38%) higher than Tucson

Monthly cost estimates in Tucson vs San Diego

All categories combined.

Tucson · Single person

$2,971

San Diego · Single person

$4,511

San Diego is $1,540 (52%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Couple

$4,443

San Diego · Couple

$6,941

San Diego is $2,498 (56%) higher than Tucson

Tucson · Family

$7,144

San Diego · Family

$10,119

San Diego is $2,975 (42%) higher than Tucson

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Tucson and San Diego.

Is Tucson or San Diego more expensive?

San Diego is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $2,971/mo in Tucson, Arizona and $4,511/mo in San Diego, California, a difference of about 52%.

What is the rent difference between Tucson and San Diego?

Average one-bedroom rent in Tucson, Arizona is $1,052/mo versus $2,328/mo in San Diego, California. San Diego is approximately $1,276 (121%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Tucson or San Diego?

San Diego has the higher average household income. Tucson households earn approximately $67,929 per year; San Diego households earn approximately $102,285 per year.

More on Tucson and San Diego

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Tucson profile San Diego profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.