Key factors that influence moving costs from Austin to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Austin movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Austin to Tucson might cost just $1,378 for a one-bedroom, but up to $7,781 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Austin, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $708 and $1,785, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Austin to Tucson

Moving from Austin 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 Austin than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Austin Tucson
Average rent cost $1,765 $1,295
Average home value $508,841 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $68,258 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $3,345 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,815 $6,043
Unemployment rate 3.5% 7.4%
Sales tax 8.25% 8.7%
State income tax 0.0% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 27% lower than in Austin, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tucson.
    Home prices in Tucson are 35.7% lower than in Austin.
  • Income in Tucson is 9.5% lower than in Austin, 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 28.6% lower than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 22.7% lower than in Austin.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 111.43% higher than in Austin.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tucson are 5.45% higher than in Austin.
  • State income taxes in Tucson are 2.50% higher than in Austin.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,143.50 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.

How life is different in Austin vs. Tucson

Tucson Austin
Population 542,629 974,447
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 43 42
Bike friendliness score 66 54
Crime Index 54.43 42.91
Safety Index 45.57 59.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tucson might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 44% less than Austin.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tucson will be about the same as it currently is in Austin. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Youโ€™ll find Tucson to be about as walkable as Austin. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 43 and 42 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Austin 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 Austin is rated as 54 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Tucson is higher than in Austin, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 54.43 in Tucson, it is 42.91 in Austin. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Tucson. With a crime index of 45.57, Tucson ranks lower in overall safety than Austin, whose index is Austin's 59.87. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Tucson and Austin is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Austin 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tucson without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Tucson

With your sights set on "Old Pueblo", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tucson.

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 Austin to Tucson?

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

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

Because spring and fall moves from Austin 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 Austin to Tucson take?

Covering 896 miles, the move from Austin, TX to Tucson, AZ typically takes two to seven days. Some Austin movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources