($1,479) Movers From Houston, TX to Tucson, AZ

What to know before moving from Houston to Tucson

Moving from Houston to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Houston than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Houston compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Tucson are 16% lower than in Houston, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
  Home prices in Tucson are 24.0% higher than in Houston.
• Income in Tucson is 11.6% lower than in Houston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
• The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 13.7% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 15.6% lower than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Tucson is 80.49% higher than in Houston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the city’s sales taxes in Tucson are 5.45% higher than in Houston.
• State income taxes in Tucson are 2.50% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,588.45 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Tucson

• Tucson might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 76% less than Houston.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tucson will be about the same as it currently is in Houston. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
• Tucson neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Houston. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Tucson isn’t as walkable as Houston, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Houston 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 Houston is rated as 49 out of 100.
• Tucson has a lower crime rate than Houston based on scores of 54.43 and Houston's 63.5, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tucson than in Houston, based on Tucson’s safety index of 45.57 versus 36.5 for Houston. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Tucson and Houston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Houston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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 “unregulated” 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 company’s license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Arizona doesn’t 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-effectiveness—offered 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.

Helpful moving resources