City comparison
No. Raleigh's crime index is 142 versus 156 in Tucson, and its violent crime index is 128 versus 146, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Tucson is cheaper. Median rent is $1,145 a month versus $1,572 in Raleigh.
The income gap between Tucson and Raleigh is significant: $57,073 median household versus $85,395. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,145 in Tucson and $1,572 in Raleigh.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Tucson costs less and Raleigh pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
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 Raleigh are 1,857 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,145 a month in Tucson to $1,572 a month in Raleigh, up $427 a month (37%).
Median household income goes from $57,073 in Tucson to $85,395 in Raleigh, up $28,322 (50%).
The crime index goes from 156 in Tucson to 142 in Raleigh, down 14 points (9%).
The move
Raleigh and Tucson are 1,857 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,572 a month in Raleigh to $1,145 a month in Tucson, down $427 a month (27%).
Median household income goes from $85,395 in Raleigh to $57,073 in Tucson, down $28,322 (33%).
The crime index goes from 142 in Raleigh to 156 in Tucson, up 14 points (10%).
Tucson, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Raleigh, NC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Tucson and Raleigh? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
27% cheaper
Tucson rent is 27% cheaper than Raleigh
Tucson
Winner$1,145/mo
Raleigh
$1,572/mo
Typical rent runs $1,145 a month in Tucson versus $1,572 in Raleigh, so Tucson is 27% cheaper. That's roughly $427/month back in your pocket ($5,124/year). Over five years that's $25,620 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 Raleigh, 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 Tucson? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
50% higher
Raleigh's median income is 50% higher than Tucson
Tucson
$57,073
Raleigh
Winner$85,395
Median household income is $85,395 in Raleigh versus $57,073 in Tucson, so typical pay runs 50% higher in Raleigh (about $28,322 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, Raleigh 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
9% lower crime
Raleigh's crime index is 9% lower than Tucson
Tucson
156 (100 = avg)
Raleigh
Winner142 (100 = avg)
Raleigh's crime index is 142 versus 156 in Tucson (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 9% lower in Raleigh. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Raleigh, 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
16% more comfortable
Tucson weather is 16% more comfortable than Raleigh
Tucson
Winner77°F avg · 84°F highs · comfort 100/100
Raleigh
60°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 86/100
Tucson averages about 77°F (84°F highs); Raleigh averages about 60°F (69°F highs). Tucson sits near 77°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Raleigh averages around 60°F. Tucson scores 16% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Raleigh if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Tucson is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 27% 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.
Pick Tucson if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (77°F) beat Raleigh on this page's weather index by 16%. Raleigh may pay more or cost less, but Tucson is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Raleigh is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 50% higher here ($85,395). Start with Raleigh if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Raleigh is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 9% lower than Tucson (142 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
Tucson is cheaper on rent ($1,145/month vs $1,572), but Raleigh's $85,395 median income beats Tucson's $57,073 by 33%. Remote workers paid on Raleigh scales can make that trade; local-market earners often cannot.
Raleigh still pays more locally ($85,395 median income vs $57,073), which can offset the lease if your field pays Raleigh rates.
Weather averages land near 77°F in Tucson and 60°F in Raleigh.
Between Tucson and Raleigh, Raleigh is ahead on local pay — $85,395 median income against $57,073. Lean Tucson instead when keeping rent near $1,145/month beats chasing $85,395 median income.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Tucson and Raleigh, plus other cities in AZ and NC.
