Average Rent in Tucson, AZ↑ Rents rising 2.7% YoY

Tucson, AZ has rental prices ranging from $941/month to $2,232/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,052/month — 25% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,929/year, spending $1,052/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Tucson Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,373/month, Tucson ranks #7 most expensive of the 15 cities tracked in Arizona — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The Tucson Rental Market

The Tucson, AZ area has a population of about 1,049,947 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Tucson, AZ have risen by $36/month (2.7%) over the past year, from $1,337 to $1,373. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Tucson, AZ without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,080. The local median household income of $67,929 exceeds that threshold by $25,849, making Tucson relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Tucson, AZ is $326,242, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Tucson's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Richland Heights West ($195,318 median home value), Miracle Manor ($200,815 median home value), Wakefield ($211,054 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Tucson, AZ Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Tucson?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Tucson

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.