San Francisco vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is 59% cheaper than San Francisco overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from San Francisco to Tucson represents a dramatic shift in overall expenses. San Francisco's cost of living is substantially higher than the national average, while Tucson offers a significantly more affordable lifestyle, falling well below the national benchmark. This considerable difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are vastly disparate between the two metros, but is also reflected across nearly all other spending categories.
Housing
Housing is the most striking difference. San Francisco's home prices and rental rates are exceptionally high, reflecting a dense urban environment with limited space. Typical housing often includes apartments, condos, and smaller single-family homes. In contrast, Tucson offers much more affordable homeownership and rental opportunities, with a wider array of housing styles, often including more spacious properties. Property taxes and insurance costs will also reflect these price differences.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are consistently lower in Tucson. Transportation costs are noticeably less, and commuting times are generally shorter. Groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are also more affordable. Furthermore, Arizona's state income tax is considerably lower than California's, impacting overall take-home pay. While utilities in Tucson are slightly above the national average, they remain substantially less than in San Francisco.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. San Francisco has a dense, urban feel with a temperate climate, often foggy, and extensive public transit options. Tucson, located in the Sonoran Desert, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, with a more spread-out layout and greater reliance on personal vehicles. The pace of life in Tucson is generally perceived as more relaxed, contrasting with San Francisco's bustling, fast-paced environment.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are profound. A move from San Francisco to Tucson would result in substantial savings across almost all budget categories, particularly housing. This shift would free up significant income, allowing for a different financial trajectory or lifestyle choices. Conversely, moving from Tucson to San Francisco would necessitate a much larger income to maintain a comparable standard of living.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 215 | 88 |
| Housing index | 309 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 135 | 89 |
| Food index | 125 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 122 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 148 | 108 |
| Misc index | 138 | 82 |
| Median home price | $1,250,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $3,450/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.