Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from El Paso to Tucson
What to know before moving from El Paso to Tucson
Moving from El Paso to Tucson comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tucson is generally more expensive than El Paso, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| El Paso | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,510 | $1,295 |
| Average home value | $223,218 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,354 | $61,749 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,833 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,360 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 8.7% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Tucson are 14% lower than in El Paso, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in El Paso.
Home prices in Tucson are 46.6% higher than in El Paso. - Income in Tucson is 5.8% higher than in El Paso, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tucson, since the cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 30.4% higher than in El Paso. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tucson, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 38.6% higher than in El Paso.
- The unemployment rate in Tucson is 57.45% higher than in El Paso.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tucson are 20.00% higher than in El Paso.
- State income taxes in Tucson are 2.50% higher than in El Paso.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,911.62 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in El Paso.
How life is different in El Paso vs. Tucson
| Tucson | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 678,815 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 54.43 | 32.51 |
| Safety Index | 45.57 | 67.49 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Tucson might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 20% less than El Paso.
- Tucson offers better access to buses and trains than El Paso, based on public transportation ratings. Tucson has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in El Paso. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Tucson to be about as walkable as El Paso. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 43 and 40 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 El Paso 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 El Paso is rated as 42 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Tucson is higher than in El Paso, 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 32.51 in El Paso. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Tucson. With a crime index of 45.57, Tucson ranks lower in overall safety than El Paso, whose index is El Paso's 67.49. 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.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Tucson has better air quality than in El Paso. Tucson has Good air quality, compared to moderate in El Paso. 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 El Paso 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 โunregulatedโ 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 companyโs license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโt 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-effectivenessโoffered 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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tucson has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 El Paso to Tucson?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from El Paso to Tucson. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in El Paso.
When is the cheapest time to move from El Paso to Tucson?
Because spring and fall moves from El Paso 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 El Paso to Tucson take?
Covering 320 miles, the move from El Paso, TX to Tucson, AZ typically takes one to four days. Some El Paso movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.
