Welcome to Tucson: A Refreshing Change of Pace

If you’ve been dreaming of lower housing costs, more sunshine, and less traffic, Tucson might just be your perfect new home. Every year, more Californians are discovering what Tucson locals have known all along: that life here offers a wonderful balance of affordability, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Hi, I’m Darby Mulcahy, a local Tucson REALTOR® with Long Realty, and I specialize in helping out-of-state buyers relocate to Tucson. If you’re considering a move from California, this blog post offers a clear look at how Tucson stacks up and why it’s such an easy place to fall in love with.

Cost of Living: Get More for Your Money

Let’s start with what usually grabs people’s attention first: the numbers!

According to recent comparisons, Tucson’s cost of living is roughly 35–40% lower than most parts of California, and housing is definitely the biggest factor. The median home price in Tucson averages around $330,000, compared to well over $750,000 in many California cities (a difference of more than 50%). Renters see similar savings, with a typical two-bedroom apartment in Tucson costing about $1,400 per month, versus roughly $2,800 in California. Even everyday expenses are lighter on your wallet: gas prices here hover between $3.60 and $3.80 per gallon, compared to $5 or more in California. And with state income tax rates in Arizona ranging from just 2.5% to 4.5%, compared to California’s top bracket of 13.3%, many new residents find their paychecks stretch much further here.

Between lower home prices, property taxes, and insurance, many new Tucson homeowners find they can afford more home for less money or simply enjoy the freedom of lower monthly expenses.

Want to see how your budget translates to Tucson real estate? Explore available homes with Darby’s guided buying process.

Tucson’s Most Popular Neighborhoods for Relocating Buyers

Tucson isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s part of its charm! The city offers a mix of mountain views, quiet suburbs, and vibrant downtown lifestyle. No matter what lifestyle you're looking for here there’s a community that fits. For example:

Oro Valley: Clean, scenic, and family-friendly, with golf courses and mountain backdrops. Many relocating buyers love Oro Valley for its newer homes, excellent schools, and low crime.

Catalina Foothills: Upscale living at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. You’ll find luxury homes with panoramic views, excellent dining, and some of the city’s best hiking right in your backyard.

East Tucson: A great mix of affordable homes and peaceful desert neighborhoods, plus easy access to Saguaro National Park.

Vail: Ideal for buyers looking for space and newer construction just southeast of town. It’s growing fast and known for top-rated schools.

Quality of Life: Why People Fall in Love with Tucson

It’s not just about affordability, it’s about how you live.

Tucson has over 300 days of sunshine each year, a thriving food scene (including plenty of vegan and local options), and easy access to mountains, canyons, and trails within minutes of town. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, or relaxing in your backyard with a sunset view, outdoor living is part of daily life here most of the year.

Traffic is minimal. People are friendly. The pace of life is more relaxed. Here you can find a slower, sunnier lifestyle that still has culture, creativity, and community.

Ready to Start Your Move?

Relocating from another state can feel overwhelming (I've done it myself) but you don’t have to figure it out alone!

I’ve helped dozens of buyers make Tucson their new home, guiding them through everything from remote tours to closing day. If you’re months away or even just starting to research, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to chat about your move to Tucson!