With its captivating culture, historic landmarks, and large population, Brooklyn embodies the definition of an iconic urban lifestyle. In comparison, Tucson offers a more relaxed lifestyle, characterized by beautiful landscapes, rich history, and desirable, warm weather. While each city holds unique attributes, both provide amenities that can be appreciated by visitors and locals alike. Factors such as cost of living, infrastructure, culture, and more make each city attractive to different demographics. Understanding the differences between each will assist anyone considering a move or just a holiday visit.
Brooklyn's crime rate sits higher than the national average, but it significantly differs by neighborhood. Gentrification has contributed to reducing crime in certain areas over time. However, even with these variances, it's advised to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Conversely, Tucson's crime rates are also higher than the national average but lower than Brooklyn's. The city is continuously working on implementing strategies to reduce crime and improve public safety.
Cost of Living
Living in Brooklyn is significantly more expensive compared to Tucson. Higher living expenses in areas like housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare contribute to this disparity. Tucson, on the other hand, boasts a cost of living lower than the national average and offers more affordable housing and living expenses.
Income Tax
New York State has a progressive income tax system, and residents of Brooklyn also pay a New York City municipal tax. Arizona's income tax is significantly lower, with a flat rate of 4.54% for high income earners.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Brooklyn are imposed by New York City and vary based on the property's assessed value. Tucson residents pay property taxes to Pima County, which tend to be lower in comparison.
Sales Tax
New York City, including Brooklyn, has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.875%. Tucson's combined city and state sales tax is a bit higher, at 8.6%.
Income
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Estimated median household income
$67,567
$50,306
Estimated per capita income
$39,536
$27,821
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.4
90.1
If you make $50,000 in Tucson, you will have to make $102,886 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Brooklyn rests on the western end of Long Island and is defined by its urban environment. Tucson is surrounded by several mountain ranges and desert, bestowing it with a unique and beautiful landscape.
Geographical information
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Land area
70.6 sq. miles
194.7 sq. miles
Population density
35,956 people per sq. mile
2,790.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY Tucson, AZ
Education
Both cities present strong opportunities for education. Brooklyn houses part of the City University of New York and the renowned Brooklyn Technical High School. Tucson, home to the University of Arizona, offers strong educational opportunities particularly noted for research and diverse fields of study.
Both cities share a diversified economy, although industries differ given their respective locations. Brooklyn is more service-based, with a focus on finance, technology, and healthcare. Tucson's economy is fueled by education, defense and aerospace, healthcare, tourism, and optic systems.
Biggest Employers
In Brooklyn, the largest employers include JPMorgan Chase, New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, and Citigroup. Tucson, on the other hand, is home to the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, and Banner Health.
In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tucson (Pima County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 45.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
2020
76.9%
58.4%
22.2%
39.8%
1.0%
1.7%
2016
79.6%
53.3%
17.5%
39.7%
2.9%
7.0%
2012
82.1%
52.7%
16.9%
45.7%
0.9%
1.6%
2008
79.9%
52.4%
20.1%
46.3%
0.0%
1.4%
2004
75.0%
52.7%
24.3%
46.7%
0.7%
0.6%
2000
81.0%
51.4%
15.7%
43.3%
3.3%
5.3%
1996
80.1%
52.2%
15.1%
39.4%
4.9%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.9%
20.8%
7.5%
7.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.8%
0.0%
4.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.9%
0.0%
3.8%
0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.0%
0.3%
5.2%
1.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.8%
2.3%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.9%
2.0%
2.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
2.3%
2.4%
10.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.6%
1.4%
Weather
Brooklyn experiences four distinct seasons, ranging from hot, humid summers to potentially harsh winters with snow. Conversely, Tucson is characterized by a desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. It offers plenty of annual sunshine which is enjoyed by many residents, making Tucson attractive for those seeking a warmer and sunnier environment.
Weather and climate
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Temperature - Average
55.1°F
70°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.7%
38.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.1%
46%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.8%
58%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50.7%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.5 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
53.4 in
2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.7%
32.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
15%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
94%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
79%
Wind speed - Average
10.6 mph
8.3 mph
Average climate in Brooklyn, New York
Average climate in Tucson, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
Brooklyn
Tucson
2018
93
87
0.31
0.19
16.8
8.3
24.2
32.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.9
7.0
5.5
0.4
0.1
2017
95
73
0.25
0.18
17.0
8.4
24.5
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.2
7.1
7.1
0.3
0.1
2016
93
68
0.31
0.21
17.7
7.9
24.8
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.3
7.2
4.5
0.5
0.1
2015
100
62
0.38
0.21
18.2
8.7
24.1
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.4
8.0
5.1
0.7
0.2
2014
95
74
0.38
0.19
18.5
10.0
23.5
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.0
7.8
5.6
0.9
0.2
2013
96
94
0.41
0.17
18.9
10.4
24.4
30.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.9
8.5
6.8
1.0
0.2
2012
98
73
0.44
0.20
18.3
11.8
24.4
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
9.2
5.6
1.6
0.2
2011
107
81
0.43
0.22
20.7
11.9
23.6
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.7
10.3
5.8
2.4
0.3
2010
112
68
0.43
0.29
19.4
10.8
24.7
30.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.5
10.0
N/A
2.3
0.5
2009
104
82
0.43
0.25
21.5
11.2
20.7
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.9
10.2
N/A
3.1
0.5
2008
109
81
0.47
0.29
22.6
12.2
21.3
29.2
0.013
N/A
N/A
32.0
11.8
N/A
4.1
0.9
2007
121
75
0.53
0.37
23.5
13.4
20.8
28.7
0.016
N/A
N/A
27.3
12.4
N/A
4.8
0.9
2006
116
74
0.61
0.41
24.2
15.3
20.7
27.7
0.018
N/A
N/A
17.3
13.0
N/A
5.7
0.6
2005
107
76
0.74
0.43
26.1
15.1
19.6
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.8
N/A
N/A
7.5
0.7
2004
106
77
0.74
0.49
25.8
15.6
18.5
25.6
0.030
N/A
N/A
14.0
N/A
N/A
7.1
1.2
2003
107
81
0.81
0.57
27.4
17.2
18.4
27.1
0.021
N/A
26.9
19.2
N/A
N/A
7.4
1.2
2002
122
76
0.76
0.56
27.9
16.9
19.9
26.8
0.008
N/A
26.2
19.9
N/A
N/A
6.5
1.0
2001
121
70
0.80
0.55
29.5
16.4
22.3
26.1
0.020
N/A
27.3
23.2
N/A
N/A
7.8
0.8
2000
115
78
0.92
0.50
29.8
16.7
20.3
26.4
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
56.4%
8.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.8%
1,584.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
13%
Transportation
Brooklyn benefits immensely from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority with trains and buses connecting it to other boroughs. However, traffic congestion can be quite severe. Tucson heavily relies on car commutes, offering some public transit options including a bus system and a modern streetcar system.
Transport
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
149
983
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
14
Means of transportation to work
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Bicycle
0.5%
1%
Bus
10.4%
1.9%
Carpooled
8%
11.5%
Car alone
22.4%
81.9%
Motorcycle
0%
0.5%
Railroad
1.4%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
44.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.1%
Walked
8.8%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Average
44.5 min
26 min
Real Estate
Brooklyn's real estate market is famously known for its high price tags. Historic brownstones and new luxury developments make it one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Contrarily, Tucson has affordable housing options with a median home price significantly lower than the national average.
Neighborhoods
Brooklyn is known for its diverse neighborhoods, such as artsy Williamsburg, family-friendly Park Slope or upscale Brooklyn Heights. Tucson also offers a variety of neighborhoods, like historic El Presidio, student and nightlife-oriented University area and the upscale, suburban Catalina Foothills.
Houses and residents
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Houses
930,866
242,816
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Houses occupied
880,727 (94.6%)
223,068 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
238,290 (27.1%)
114,708 (51.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
642,437 (72.9%)
108,360 (48.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,589
$801.80
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,621,117
$557,132
Estimated median house or condo value
$793,300
$224,800
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.2
5.8
Renting percentage
72.3%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
13,184
1,247.3
Household income disparities
48.5%
44.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
29,251 (32.9%)
1,087 (1.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
183 (0.2%)
2,785 (3.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,793 (67.1%)
70,054 (98.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
4,512 (5.1%)
211 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,098 (5.7%)
4,051 (5.7%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
45,971
14,487
State government workers
27,527
17,981
Unpaid family workers
2,234
709
Industries and Occupations
Brooklyn thrives on finance, technology, healthcare, and entertainment. Tucson, home to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and numerous high-tech industries, has a higher percentage of people working in technical spheres, defense, and healthcare.
Brooklyn residents have access to world-class medical facilities such as Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, and Maimonides Medical Center. Tucson is home to Banner University Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in Arizona and a major medical research center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Brooklyn's urban layout is connected by an expansive public transportation system including subways, buses, and ferries. However, congestion and traffic can be tiresome. Tucson, being more spread out, necessitates more use of personal cars for commuting, although there's also a decent bus system and Sun Link streetcar system servicing the downtown area.
Infrastructure
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Hospitals
104
24
TV stations
29
20
Bank branches located here
271
159
Bank institutions located here
41
17
Main business address for public companies
9
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
12
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
75
100
Schools
School facilities
Type
Brooklyn
Tucson
Private elementary/middle schools
151
30
Private high schools
128
13
Public elementary/middle schools
405
0
Public high schools
176
0
Colleges/Universities
48
23
Culture and Food
Brooklyn boasts a culturally diverse food scene influenced by its multicultural populace. It's also known for its arts and music scenes. Tucson, noted as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, also offers a diverse and rich food scene defined by a mix of native, Mexican, and pioneer culinary influences.
Sports Teams
Brooklyn is home to major sports teams including the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and the New York Islanders (NHL). Also, the iconic New York Yankees (MLB) and New York Giants (NFL) play just a subway ride away in the Bronx and New Jersey, respectively. Tucson does not have any major professional sports teams but collegiate sports are popular, particularly University of Arizona games.
Brooklyn, NY
Tucson, AZ
Brooklyn, NY and 
Tucson, AZ : 2,118.7 miles
