Cost of Living in South Tucson, AZ
Population 4,601 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Tucson's median household income of $33,734 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (35% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, South Tucson sits roughly 6 miles northwest of Tucson. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Tucson's $242,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Tucson
The median home value in South Tucson is $152,300 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $968/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,734/year is 55% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arizona's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, South Tucson has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
South Tucson has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Tucson, AZ?
South Tucson has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Tucson, AZ?
The median gross rent in South Tucson is $968 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Tucson?
The median home value in South Tucson is $152,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Tucson?
The median household income in South Tucson is $33,734 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Tucson, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Tucson is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is South Tucson, AZ affordable?
Yes, South Tucson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
South Tucson at a Glance
- Population
- 4,601
- Median Income
- $33,734
- Home Value
- $152,300
- Median Rent
- $968/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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