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Cost of Living in South Tucson

Is it better to rent or buy in South Tucson? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$33,598
$941/mo

Median in area: $941

$167,000

Median in area: $167,000

$33,400

If you Rent

$1,096 /mo
Base Rent$941
Est. Utilities$155
% of Income39.1%
Pre-tax Residual$1,704

If you Buy

$1,184 /mo
P&I (6.926%)$882
Taxes & Ins$147
Est. Utilities$155
% of Income42.3%
Pre-tax Residual$1,616

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in South Tucson?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in South Tucson. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,096, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,184 per month (a difference of $88).

How much do utilities cost in South Tucson?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in South Tucson is approximately $155. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in South Tucson?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in South Tucson without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $43,840 per year.