Tucson, AZ and Peoria, AZ both offer unique living experiences. Tucson, the second-largest city in Arizona, offers a blend of natural beauty, culture, and urban vibrancy. Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix, is a smaller, quieter community with plenty of amenities. Both cities offer a warm climate, opportunities for outdoor activities, and a relatively low cost of living compared to many U.S. cities. Depending on your priorities, such as safety, education, or economic opportunities, one may be a better fit for you than the other.
Distance between
Tucson, AZ and
Peoria, AZ : 125.7 miles
Tucson's population is larger by 179%. Its population has grown by 56,543 people (11.6%) since 2000. The population of Peoria has grown by 86,553 people (79.9%) during that time.
Tucson has a higher crime rate than Peoria overall. However, crime rates can vary wildly between different areas within the city, and there are many safe suburbs and neighborhoods in Tucson. Peoria, on the other hand, has one of the lowest crime rates in the Phoenix metropolitan area, making it a safer choice overall. It’s essential to research specific neighborhoods in both cities to make an informed decision about safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,383 registered sex offenders living in Tucson and 112 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Tucson is 384 to 1; the ratio in Peoria is 1,466 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Tucson than that in Peoria.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Tucson is lower than in Peoria. Housing tends to be more affordable in Tucson, and the overall cost of goods and services is modest. Peoria, being a suburban city of Phoenix, has higher housing costs, although it's still lower than the national average. Both cities offer a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of the United States.
Income Tax
Both cities are located in Arizona, which has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.5%. This is relatively low compared to many other states.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Arizona are relatively low compared to other parts of the U.S. On average, homeowners in Tucson pay slightly less on property taxes compared to those in Peoria.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate for Tucson is 8.7%, which includes state, county, and city tax. Peoria has a slightly lower combined sales tax rate of 8.1%.
Income
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Estimated median household income
$50,306
$92,566
Estimated per capita income
$27,821
$44,504
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
90.1
100.5
If you make $50,000 in Tucson, you will have to make $55,771 in Peoria to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Tucson and Peoria are located in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by mountains and offering an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Tucson is located in a higher elevation than Peoria, offering slightly different scenery and providing a cooler climate.
Both Tucson and Peoria have good schools, colleges, and universities. Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, a leading research university, while Peoria boasts excellent public and private schools and is within commuting distance of Arizona State University. Educational resources for adults and kids alike are plentiful in both cities.
Both cities have diverse economies with opportunities in several sectors. Tucson's economy is driven by education, healthcare, and the government, while Peoria's economy relies more heavily on healthcare, retail, and construction. Unemployment rates in both cities are in line with the national average, making them both viable options for job seekers.
Biggest Employers
In Tucson, the largest employers include the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, and Banner University Medical Center. In Peoria, the largest employers are the school districts, City of Peoria, and Walmart.
There were 1,134 building permits issued in Tucson in 2012 (832 more than in 2011) compared to 1,562 building permits issued in Peoria in 2012 (1132 more than in 2011).
In Tucson (Pima County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 45.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Peoria (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
2020
58.4%
50.2%
39.8%
48.0%
1.7%
1.8%
2016
53.3%
44.9%
39.7%
47.7%
7.0%
7.5%
2012
52.7%
43.6%
45.7%
54.3%
1.6%
2.1%
2008
52.4%
44.0%
46.3%
54.5%
1.4%
1.5%
2004
52.7%
42.4%
46.7%
57.0%
0.6%
0.6%
2000
51.4%
43.0%
43.3%
53.4%
5.3%
3.6%
1996
52.2%
44.5%
39.4%
47.2%
8.5%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.8%
13.6%
7.9%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
1.9%
10.4%
6.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.8%
2.5%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.4%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.4%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.9%
2.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.3%
0.5%
0.6%
Weather
Both Tucson and Peoria fall within the Sonoran Desert, resulting in hot summers and mild winters. However, Tucson's higher altitude often results in slightly cooler temperatures compared to Peoria. Monsoon seasons, from late June through September, bring heavy rain and thunderstorms in both cities. The weather allows for abundant sunshine and outdoor activities throughout the year in both areas.
Weather and climate
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Temperature - Average
70°F
72.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
38.6%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
12 in
9.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.3%
35.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
15%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
94%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
79%
Wind speed - Average
8.3 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Tucson, Arizona
Average climate in Peoria, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
Tucson
Peoria
2018
87
145
0.19
0.38
8.3
15.3
32.0
31.8
29.9
28.9
5.5
7.7
0.1
0.6
2017
73
112
0.18
0.41
8.4
16.0
31.7
31.1
32.2
28.7
7.1
7.0
0.1
1.4
2016
68
106
0.21
0.39
7.9
15.7
29.7
29.5
25.3
27.2
4.5
7.0
0.1
0.4
2015
62
95
0.21
0.35
8.7
17.2
29.7
29.2
25.4
22.4
5.1
7.2
0.2
0.9
2014
74
108
0.19
0.36
10.0
19.2
28.8
30.2
28.0
28.3
5.6
7.9
0.2
1.1
2013
94
121
0.17
0.36
10.4
19.5
30.4
31.0
30.9
26.9
6.8
7.8
0.2
0.9
2012
73
125
0.20
0.33
11.8
20.8
30.0
30.2
31.2
32.5
5.6
8.8
0.2
1.3
2011
81
161
0.22
0.36
11.9
19.3
31.0
30.3
29.7
31.7
5.8
9.4
0.3
0.9
2010
68
99
0.29
0.37
10.8
18.8
30.5
28.8
25.5
23.0
N/A
8.3
0.5
1.0
2009
82
101
0.25
0.37
11.2
19.0
29.2
27.1
31.9
33.9
N/A
N/A
0.5
1.5
2008
81
105
0.29
0.42
12.2
20.3
29.2
27.1
32.0
38.4
N/A
N/A
0.9
2.0
2007
75
127
0.37
0.46
13.4
22.3
28.7
25.4
27.3
46.6
N/A
N/A
0.9
2.3
2006
74
127
0.41
0.46
15.3
24.4
27.7
25.9
17.3
49.7
N/A
N/A
0.6
2.1
2005
76
104
0.43
0.54
15.1
24.9
26.0
24.1
17.8
42.1
N/A
N/A
0.7
2.3
2004
77
95
0.49
0.63
15.6
24.6
25.6
23.8
14.0
31.8
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.4
2003
81
99
0.57
0.71
17.2
25.7
27.1
24.8
19.2
42.6
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.4
2002
76
106
0.56
0.80
16.9
27.2
26.8
25.3
19.9
41.8
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.6
2001
70
104
0.55
0.81
16.4
26.9
26.1
25.6
23.2
37.8
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.5
2000
78
118
0.50
1.00
16.7
29.4
26.4
25.0
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
2.3
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.9%
16.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,584.9%
2,755.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
13%
16%
Transportation
Public transportation in Tucson includes buses, streetcars, and shuttles, while Peoria relies mostly on buses. Both cities are car-oriented, though Tucson has a more extensive public transportation system. Commute times in both cities are better than the national average.
Transport
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
983
169
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
14
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Bicycle
1%
0.4%
Bus
1.9%
0.4%
Carpooled
11.5%
14%
Car alone
81.9%
81.6%
Motorcycle
0.5%
0.4%
Walked
2.3%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Average
26 min
26.8 min
Other means
21.6 min
30.5 min
Public transportation
42.5 min
45.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.3%
90.2%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
5.6%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
1%
1.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
1.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Tucson is generally more affordable than in Peoria. The housing market in both cities is hot, with demand outpacing supply. Both cities offer a mix of suburban neighborhoods and more urban living experiences.
Neighborhoods
Tucson offers a range of neighborhoods, from the historic Barrio Viejo to the upscale Foothills. Peoria has a mix of older neighborhoods and modern suburban developments, with the lavish Vistancia being one of the most popular.
Houses and residents
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Houses
242,816
78,694
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.7
Median year apartment built
1979
1996
Median year house/condo built
1978
1999
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.2 years
9.5 years
Houses occupied
223,068 (91.9%)
75,479 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
114,708 (51.4%)
58,326 (77.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
108,360 (48.6%)
17,153 (22.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$801.80
$1,476
Median monthly housing costs
$951
$1,440
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$557,132
$309,936
Estimated median house or condo value
$224,800
$407,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$262,219
$452,562
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$147,793
$244,333
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$125,313
$181,717
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$135,055
$173,066
Median house price - mobile homes
$48,136
$53,083
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$53,411
$102,000
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$210,375
$410,011
Median house price - All housing units
$234,849
$424,275
Median house age
43
23
Renting percentage
48.1%
26.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,247.3
569.4
House value disparities
32.8%
28%
Household income disparities
44.9%
40.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$76,356
$114,510
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$54,612
$81,089
Housing units without a mortgage
1,087 (1.5%)
455 (1.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,785 (3.9%)
3,233 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
70,054 (98.5%)
42,228 (98.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
211 (0.3%)
50 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,051 (5.7%)
4,262 (10%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
6
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Tucson
Peoria
One, detached
53.5%
77.5%
One, attached
8.3%
4.2%
Two
2.5%
0.6%
3 or 4
4.3%
1.2%
5 to 9
5.0%
3.5%
10 to 19
5.6%
1.6%
20 to 49
5.8%
1.5%
50 or more
8.6%
5.5%
Mobile homes
6.2%
4.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,487
4,531
State government workers
17,981
3,429
Unpaid family workers
709
190
Industries and Occupations
The leading industries in Tucson are education and health services, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities. In contrast, Peoria's leading industries are retail trade, healthcare, and educational services.
Both cities offer robust healthcare systems. Tucson is home to Banner University Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the state. Peoria residents have access to excellent healthcare facilities, many of which are located in nearby Phoenix.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Tucson
Peoria
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Tucson, being a larger city, has a more extensive infrastructure than Peoria. Tucson features a modern downtown, a bustling airport, and significant road networks. In comparison, Peoria enjoys the benefits of being a part of the Phoenix metro area with access to ample retail, healthcare, and entertainment infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Tucson
Peoria
Hospitals
24
2
TV stations
20
10
Bank branches located here
159
34
Bank institutions located here
17
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Tucson
Peoria
1999
3,131
729
2000
1,601
568
2001
912
477
2002
778
409
2003
1,409
523
2004
2,041
868
2005
2,872
1,344
2006
2,833
1,309
2007
1,601
746
2008
714
285
2009
386
139
Culture and Food
Tucson is recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Its food scene is influenced by its rich cultural heritage and includes everything from Mexican cuisine to farm-to-table offerings. Peoria has a growing food scene with ample options for fine dining, casual eats, and everything in between. Both cities have vibrant arts and cultural scenes, with Tucson placing a significant emphasis on the performing arts.
Sports Teams
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona Wildcats, while Peoria hosts the spring training of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. While Tucson doesn't host any major professional sports teams, Peoria residents can easily travel to Phoenix to cheer on the Suns, Diamondbacks, Cardinals, or Coyotes.
Tucson, AZ
Peoria, AZ
Tucson, AZ and 
Peoria, AZ : 125.7 miles
