Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Phoenix or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Tucson can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Phoenix or Tucson?
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Phoenix Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhoenix $276Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $276, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Phoenix and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhoenix $144Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhoenix $288Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Phoenix or Tucson? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Phoenix Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phoenix $39Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154
Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Phoenix change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPhoenix $90Tucson $63
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phoenix $40Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Phoenix South Mountain Hiking Tour Experience: $64
- 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in the Festive of Phoenix : $261
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $69
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $75
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $115
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert: $237
- 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
- Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Apache Trail w/Dolly Steamboat Full Day Small Group Tour: $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhoenix $17Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Tucson, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phoenix Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Tucson?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix and Tucson, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.