City comparison
Yes. Jacksonville's crime index is 150 versus 156 in Tucson, and its violent crime index is 155 versus 146, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Tucson is cheaper. Median rent is $1,145 a month versus $1,465 in Jacksonville.
The cost gap between Jacksonville and Tucson is the real story here. Tucson comes in 22% cheaper on typical rent ($1,465 vs $1,145), which over a year adds up to $3,840. Median household income runs $69,872 in Jacksonville and $57,073 in Tucson.
This is a genuine split. Jacksonville wins on the job market and safety and Tucson wins on cost of living. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Tucson at $1,145 average has pockets that run $945 and others at $1,545: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Jacksonville and Tucson are 1,728 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,465 a month in Jacksonville to $1,145 a month in Tucson, down $320 a month (22%).
Median household income goes from $69,872 in Jacksonville to $57,073 in Tucson, down $12,799 (18%).
The crime index goes from 150 in Jacksonville to 156 in Tucson, up 6 points (4%).
The move
Tucson and Jacksonville are 1,728 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,145 a month in Tucson to $1,465 a month in Jacksonville, up $320 a month (28%).
Median household income goes from $57,073 in Tucson to $69,872 in Jacksonville, up $12,799 (22%).
The crime index goes from 156 in Tucson to 150 in Jacksonville, down 6 points (4%).
Jacksonville, FL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Tucson, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Jacksonville and Tucson? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
22% cheaper
Tucson rent is 22% cheaper than Jacksonville
Jacksonville
$1,465/mo
Tucson
Winner$1,145/mo
Typical rent runs $1,145 a month in Tucson versus $1,465 in Jacksonville, so Tucson is 22% cheaper. That's roughly $320/month back in your pocket ($3,840/year). Over five years that's $19,200 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Jacksonville, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Tucson is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Jacksonville? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
22% higher
Jacksonville's median income is 22% higher than Tucson
Jacksonville
Winner$69,872
Tucson
$57,073
Median household income is $69,872 in Jacksonville versus $57,073 in Tucson, so typical pay runs 22% higher in Jacksonville (about $12,799 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Jacksonville is the stronger labor market on paper. Tucson can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
4% lower crime
Jacksonville's crime index is 4% lower than Tucson
Jacksonville
Winner150 (100 = avg)
Tucson
156 (100 = avg)
Jacksonville's crime index is 150 versus 156 in Tucson (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 4% lower in Jacksonville. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Jacksonville, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Tucson. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Jacksonville and Tucson are about even on typical weather.
Jacksonville
79°F avg · 86°F highs · comfort 100/100
Tucson
76°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Jacksonville averages about 79°F (86°F highs); Tucson averages about 76°F (83°F highs). Jacksonville sits near 79°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Tucson sits near 76°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Jacksonville is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 22% higher here ($69,872). Start with Jacksonville if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Jacksonville is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 4% lower than Tucson (150 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Tucson
Tucson is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 22% cheaper here at about $1,145 a month. Choose Tucson if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
Jacksonville runs $1,465/month while Tucson sits at $1,145 — roughly 22% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Jacksonville-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Tucson rent at $1,145/month is still below Jacksonville's $1,465, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 48/100 in Jacksonville and 46/100 in Tucson.
Between Jacksonville and Tucson, Tucson is ahead on housing cost — $1,145/month rent against $1,465. Lean Jacksonville instead when your $69,872 income offer in Jacksonville outweighs saving $320/month in Tucson.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Jacksonville when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Jacksonville and Tucson, plus other cities in FL and AZ.
