Cost of Living in Pima County, Arizona
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pima County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pima County ranks #3,105 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pima County, Arizona
Tucson-area housing remains accessible
Pima County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national median, though its $67,929 household income approaches the national average of $74,755. Renters here pay $1,154 monthly—higher than many Arizona counties—but earn enough to stay within reasonable affordability thresholds.
Pima ranks mid-affordability in Arizona
Pima County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arizona's 19.4% state average, placing it in the moderate-affordability tier. The $1,154 median rent outpaces the state average of $1,016, reflecting Pima's larger urban market around Tucson.
More expensive than Santa Cruz, cheaper than Yavapai
Pima's $1,154 monthly rent falls between Santa Cruz County's $781 and Yavapai County's $1,258, reflecting its position as Arizona's second-largest metro. Despite higher rents, Pima's $67,929 median income supports the housing costs better than rural neighbors.
Homeownership costs rival renting
In Pima County, renters pay $1,154 monthly while homeowners face $1,122 in monthly costs—almost identical burdens reflecting an expensive housing market. The $67,929 median income means housing claims over 20% of earnings regardless of tenure.
Pima offers urban amenities and balance
Pima County delivers Arizona's second-largest job market with moderate housing costs relative to income, making it ideal for professionals seeking urban services without extreme affordability strain. Compare Pima's $286,900 median home value and $67,929 median income to your current city's cost structure.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pima County
Affordability Verdict
Pima County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,154/month — about 20.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Pima County pay $1,154/month on average, compared to $1,122/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,086/year. With a median household income of $67,929, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Pima County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pima County sits 8% less expensive than Yavapai County ($1,258/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pima County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,585
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.8%
of gross income
The median home in Pima County may be a stretch
Median home value is $286,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,290 vs. your max of $1,585.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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