City comparison
No. Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 156 in Tucson, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 146, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Tucson is cheaper. Median rent is $1,145 a month versus $1,470 in Arlington.
The income gap between Tucson and Arlington is significant: $57,073 median household versus $75,171. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,145 in Tucson and $1,470 in Arlington.
This is a genuine split. Tucson wins on cost of living and Arlington wins on the job market and safety. 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
Tucson and Arlington are 806 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,145 a month in Tucson to $1,470 a month in Arlington, up $325 a month (28%).
Median household income goes from $57,073 in Tucson to $75,171 in Arlington, up $18,098 (32%).
The crime index goes from 156 in Tucson to 132 in Arlington, down 24 points (15%).
The move
Arlington and Tucson are 806 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,470 a month in Arlington to $1,145 a month in Tucson, down $325 a month (22%).
Median household income goes from $75,171 in Arlington to $57,073 in Tucson, down $18,098 (24%).
The crime index goes from 132 in Arlington to 156 in Tucson, up 24 points (18%).
Tucson, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Arlington, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Tucson and Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
22% cheaper
Tucson rent is 22% cheaper than Arlington
Tucson
Winner$1,145/mo
Arlington
$1,470/mo
Typical rent runs $1,145 a month in Tucson versus $1,470 in Arlington, so Tucson is 22% cheaper. That's roughly $325/month back in your pocket ($3,900/year). Over five years that's $19,500 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 Arlington, 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 Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
32% higher
Arlington's median income is 32% higher than Tucson
Tucson
$57,073
Arlington
Winner$75,171
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington versus $57,073 in Tucson, so typical pay runs 32% higher in Arlington (about $18,098 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, Arlington 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
15% lower crime
Arlington's crime index is 15% lower than Tucson
Tucson
156 (100 = avg)
Arlington
Winner132 (100 = avg)
Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 156 in Tucson (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 15% lower in Arlington. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Arlington, 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
Tucson and Arlington are about even on typical weather.
Tucson
77°F avg · 84°F highs · comfort 100/100
Arlington
67°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 100/100
Tucson averages about 77°F (84°F highs); Arlington averages about 67°F (74°F highs). Tucson sits near 77°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Arlington sits near 67°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
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.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Arlington is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 32% higher here ($75,171). Start with Arlington if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Arlington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 15% lower than Tucson (132 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.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Tucson at $1,145/month versus $1,470 in Arlington ($325 apart). Arlington median income is $75,171 against $57,073 in Tucson, so the cheaper lease does not always pair with the stronger local wage base.
Tucson rent at $1,145/month is still below Arlington's $1,470, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 46/100 in Tucson and 52/100 in Arlington.
Pick Tucson when shaving $325 off rent at $1,145/month is the priority. Otherwise, Arlington's case rests on $1,470/month rent with $75,171 local income.
Common questions
Ready to move to Arlington?
Next steps
Quotes and listings for Arlington when you're ready to act.
Keep researching
Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Tucson and Arlington, plus other cities in AZ and TX.
