2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Diego, CA vs Tucson, AZ

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Tucson older or younger than people in San Diego?
- The Median Age in Tucson is 1.2 years younger than in San Diego.

Are housing costs cheaper in Tucson or San Diego?
- Tucson housing costs are 63.6% less expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Tucson or San Diego?
- The average commute for residents of Tucson is 1.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Diego.

Things to do in San Diego?
San Diego, California is a beautiful coastal city that offers something for everyone. From world-famous attractions like the iconic Balboa Park and SeaWorld, to serene beaches and lush parks - San Diego offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore. The city's dynamic neighborhoods offer an array of shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural experiences - making it perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten path. With its mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego provides plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in paradise!

Things to do in Tucson?
Tucson, Arizona is an exciting and vibrant city with an array of attractions. Explore the Mission San Xavier del Bac or take a trip to nearby Sabino Canyon for some outdoor recreation. Spend the day touring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or visit downtown Tucscon for some great shopping and dining. Those looking for a more adventurous experience can visit Saguaro National Park or try their hand at rock climbing in Tucson Mountain Park. From its unique desert beauty to its interesting culture, Tucson is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!

 San Diego, CATucson, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock538,167329,725,481
 Median Income$89,457  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$833,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.97  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

   |    Reply

The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Diego

Reviews for Tucson    287 Reviews

My wife and I characterize ourselves as a young couple, well educated, with decent positions and we’re Tucson natives. We’ve observed our quality of life from both a  More

   |    Reply

Over 1 years ago

I was reading the reviews for Tucson, and after living there for 6 years, I feel the need to weigh in. There are many pros in Tucson: access to recreational areas,  More

   |    Reply

I spend considerable time in and around Tucson, and I've see it rapidly going "downhill" since 2020. It's definitely not the nice town I remember from when I was a  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Tucson


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.