Key factors that influence moving costs from Cleveland to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Cleveland to Tucson might cost just $1,518 for a one-bedroom, but up to $12,667 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Cleveland, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,378 and $3,501, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Cleveland to Tucson

Moving from Cleveland to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Cleveland than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Cleveland compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Cleveland Tucson
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,295
Average home value $108,509 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $64,965 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $2,490 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,729 $6,043
Unemployment rate 6.8% 7.4%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.7%
State income tax 3.5% 2.5%
  • Rent prices are the same in Tucson and Cleveland.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Cleveland.
    Home prices in Tucson are 201.5% higher than in Cleveland.
  • Income in Tucson is 5.0% lower than in Cleveland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 4.0% lower than in Cleveland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 10.2% lower than in Cleveland.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 8.82% higher than in Cleveland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tucson are 8.75% higher than in Cleveland.
  • One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.57% lower than in Cleveland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,879.52 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.

How life is different in Cleveland vs. Tucson

Tucson Cleveland
Population 542,629 372,624
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 43 57
Bike friendliness score 66 52
Crime Index 54.43 63.41
Safety Index 45.57 36.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Tucson is about 46% greater than Cleveland, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Tucson without a car might be more difficult than in Cleveland. Tucson has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Cleveland is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Tucson neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Cleveland. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Tucson isnโ€™t as walkable as Cleveland, which has a score of 57 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Cleveland in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tucson has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, while Cleveland is rated as 52 out of 100.
  • Tucson has a lower crime rate than Cleveland based on scores of 54.43 and Cleveland's 63.41, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tucson than in Cleveland, based on Tucsonโ€™s safety index of 45.57 versus 36.59 for Cleveland. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tucson has better air quality than in Cleveland. Tucson has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Cleveland. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Cleveland vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Arizona, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toTucson Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Tucson

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Old Pueblo" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tucson to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Armory Park
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Old Fort Lowell
  • El Presidio
  • Sam Hughes

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Armory Park
  • Broadmoor-Broadway
  • Catalina Foothills
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Sam Hughes

Things to do in Tucson

After settling into your new Arizona home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tucson has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tucson is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Tucson?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Cleveland to Tucson. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Cleveland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Tucson?

Because spring and fall moves from Cleveland to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Cleveland to Tucson take?

Covering 2,010 miles, the move from Cleveland, OH to Tucson, AZ typically takes six to 17 days. Some Cleveland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources