Las Vegas, Nevada and Tucson, Arizona are two distinct cities in the American Southwest offering different experiences for both residents and tourists. Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, tourism, and gaming industries, while Tucson offers a calm, sunny climate, rich history, and outdoor activities. Each city has unique opportunities and challenges in terms of safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and more. This comprehensive comparison will provide a granular look at both cities in all these aspects.
Distance between
Las Vegas, NV and
Tucson, AZ : 368.8 miles
Las Vegas's population is larger by 19%. Its population has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) since 2000. The population of Tucson has grown by 56,543 people (11.6%) during that time.
As per FBI data, both Las Vegas and Tucson have crime rates higher than the national average. Las Vegas, being a high-profile tourist destination, witnesses more property crimes, particularly theft. Tucson, on the other hand, has notable issues with both property and violent crimes. In either city, it's recommended to research neighborhoods thoroughly before deciding where to live or visit. Both cities have robust police departments working continuously to reduce crime levels.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 4,821 registered sex offenders living in Las Vegas and 1,389 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Las Vegas is 131 to 1; the ratio in Tucson is 382 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Las Vegas than that in Tucson.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is comparatively lower in Tucson than in Las Vegas. Housing is the biggest factor: median home prices in Tucson are significantly lower than those in Las Vegas. Other essential commodities like groceries and healthcare also tend to be less expensive in Tucson. Las Vegas, being a tourist hotspot, has a higher overall cost of living.
Income Tax
Nevada, including Las Vegas, has no state income tax, making it attractive for high-income earners. Arizona does have a state income tax, ranging from 2.59% to 4.5%, and this applies to Tucson as well.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Las Vegas are comparatively lower, with an average rate of 0.70%, making it attractive for property owners. Tucson, on the other hand, has a higher average property tax rate of 1.3%.
Sales Tax
Nevada's state sales tax is 4.6%, but Las Vegas's actual rate is 8.38% due to county surtaxes. Arizona has a 5.6% state sales tax, but with local surtaxes, Tucson's rate is 8.7%.
Income
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Estimated median household income
$59,746
$50,306
Estimated per capita income
$33,825
$27,821
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
99.1
90.1
If you make $50,000 in Tucson, you will have to make $54,994 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Las Vegas is located in the heart of a desert valley surrounded by mountains, while Tucson is set in the Sonoran Desert, featuring striking mountain ranges, cacti, and unique bio-diversity. Both cities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and camping.
As for education, both cities have numerous public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. Las Vegas's Clark County School District is one of the largest in the U.S., while Tucson is home to the prestigious University of Arizona. Tucson also has a great community college system, making it a popular choice for students.
Las Vegas is globally renowned for its tourism, entertainment, and gaming industries, providing numerous employment opportunities. In Tucson, the economy is more diverse, with sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology playing vital roles. Both offer a variety of job opportunities, but the sectors are markedly different.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Las Vegas include MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. In Tucson, the University of Arizona, Raytheon Co., and Banner University Medical Center are among the largest employers, providing significant employment opportunities.
There were 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011) compared to 1,134 building permits issued in Tucson in 2012 (832 more than in 2011).
In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tucson (Pima County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 45.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
2020
53.7%
58.4%
44.3%
39.8%
2.0%
1.7%
2016
52.4%
53.3%
41.7%
39.7%
5.8%
7.0%
2012
56.4%
52.7%
41.8%
45.7%
1.8%
1.6%
2008
58.5%
52.4%
39.5%
46.3%
2.0%
1.4%
2004
51.8%
52.7%
46.9%
46.7%
1.3%
0.6%
2000
51.4%
51.4%
44.8%
43.3%
3.8%
5.3%
1996
75.5%
52.2%
18.8%
39.4%
5.7%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
20.8%
4.0%
7.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
2.3%
11.2%
10.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.9%
1.6%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.2%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.8%
1.1%
1.4%
Weather
Residents and tourists can expect warmer climates in both cities. Las Vegas has a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Tucson, being in a desert too, also has hot summers but slightly cooler winters. Both cities boast over 300 days of sunshine annually, making them great for those who enjoy outdoor activities year-round or prefer a warmer climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Temperature - Average
65.5°F
70°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
30.7%
38.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
46%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
58%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
10%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
5.7 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.6 in
2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.1%
32.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
91.8%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
15%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
92%
94%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
76%
79%
Wind speed - Average
9.2 mph
8.3 mph
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Average climate in Tucson, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
Las Vegas
Tucson
2018
100
87
0.42
0.19
13.1
8.3
37.2
32.0
24.4
29.9
6.0
5.5
0.7
0.1
2017
101
73
0.29
0.18
13.0
8.4
38.5
31.7
20.3
32.2
7.3
7.1
0.8
0.1
2016
97
68
0.38
0.21
11.2
7.9
36.5
29.7
20.6
25.3
8.7
4.5
0.8
0.1
2015
92
62
0.36
0.21
12.4
8.7
35.6
29.7
18.9
25.4
8.4
5.1
1.2
0.2
2014
91
74
0.40
0.19
10.8
10.0
36.5
28.8
21.1
28.0
9.2
5.6
1.4
0.2
2013
103
94
0.45
0.17
9.6
10.4
36.9
30.4
22.1
30.9
8.6
6.8
1.5
0.2
2012
94
73
0.49
0.20
5.9
11.8
38.5
30.0
21.5
31.2
8.3
5.6
1.4
0.2
2011
85
81
0.40
0.22
5.3
11.9
37.5
31.0
18.2
29.7
7.8
5.8
1.2
0.3
2010
86
68
0.50
0.29
5.7
10.8
36.6
30.5
16.1
25.5
7.1
N/A
N/A
0.5
2009
87
82
0.56
0.25
6.0
11.2
33.3
29.2
20.9
31.9
8.3
N/A
N/A
0.5
2008
82
81
0.66
0.29
8.2
12.2
33.0
29.2
N/A
32.0
9.2
N/A
N/A
0.9
2007
97
75
0.61
0.37
11.7
13.4
32.4
28.7
N/A
27.3
8.6
N/A
0.1
0.9
2006
102
74
0.75
0.41
13.4
15.3
32.7
27.7
N/A
17.3
8.3
N/A
0.8
0.6
2005
100
76
0.76
0.43
15.1
15.1
30.2
26.0
N/A
17.8
7.8
N/A
5.3
0.7
2004
85
77
0.71
0.49
16.0
15.6
30.6
25.6
N/A
14.0
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.2
2003
99
81
0.67
0.57
15.9
17.2
29.8
27.1
N/A
19.2
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.2
2002
94
76
0.73
0.56
15.7
16.9
30.6
26.8
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.0
2001
95
70
0.76
0.55
15.0
16.4
29.4
26.1
N/A
23.2
N/A
N/A
1.1
0.8
2000
95
78
0.88
0.50
14.7
16.7
29.7
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
2.1%
8.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,093.4%
1,584.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
13%
Transportation
Both cities are car-centric, but they also have public transportation systems. Las Vegas has an extensive bus network and a monorail, suitable for tourists and daily commuters. Tucson offers public buses and a modern streetcar system connecting major hubs. Travel times in Tucson are generally less due to its small size compared to Las Vegas.
Transport
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
983
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
81
14
Means of transportation to work
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Bicycle
0.1%
1%
Bus
2.2%
1.9%
Carpooled
10.3%
11.5%
Car alone
82.7%
81.9%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.5%
Walked
1.4%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Average
26.3 min
26 min
Other means
24 min
21.6 min
Public transportation
49.9 min
42.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.9%
86.3%
In 2 person carpool
8.2%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Las Vegas is more expensive compared to Tucson. Due to the city's high-profile nature and attractiveness to tourists, Las Vegas has experienced a considerable real estate surge. Tucson's real estate market is steadier and more affordable, which makes it an attractive destination for retirees and families.
Neighborhoods
Las Vegas is known for its upscale neighborhoods like Summerlin, and Henderson. Downtown Las Vegas offers an urban vibe with plenty of entertainment. Tucson has historic neighborhoods like Sam Hughes and El Presidio, offering a more laid-back, homey vibe. It also has a fair share of upscale neighborhoods like Catalina Foothills.
Houses and residents
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Houses
269,602
242,816
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Median year apartment built
1991
1979
Median year house/condo built
1995
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
10.1 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
250,350 (92.9%)
223,068 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
138,677 (55.4%)
114,708 (51.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
111,673 (44.6%)
108,360 (48.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,176
$801.80
Median monthly housing costs
$1,255
$951
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$989,410
$557,132
Estimated median house or condo value
$362,400
$224,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$439,169
$262,219
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,204
$147,793
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$201,871
$125,313
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$327,174
$135,055
Median house price - mobile homes
$113,235
$48,136
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$274,961
$210,375
Median house price - All housing units
$417,434
$234,849
Median house age
27
43
Renting percentage
43.5%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,379.4
1,247.3
House value disparities
27.1%
32.8%
Household income disparities
47.1%
44.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$90,388
$76,356
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$62,287
$54,612
Housing units without a mortgage
1,172 (1.2%)
1,087 (1.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,450 (4.6%)
2,785 (3.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
95,992 (98.8%)
70,054 (98.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
178 (0.2%)
211 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,092 (5.2%)
4,051 (5.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Las Vegas
Tucson
One, detached
61.5%
53.5%
One, attached
5.3%
8.3%
Two
1.3%
2.5%
3 or 4
7.7%
4.3%
5 to 9
8.4%
5.0%
10 to 19
4.8%
5.6%
20 to 49
2.8%
5.8%
50 or more
6.8%
8.6%
Mobile homes
1.4%
6.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
18,990
14,487
State government workers
6,950
17,981
Unpaid family workers
614
709
Industries and Occupations
In Las Vegas, the primary industries are hospitality, entertainment, and gaming. Jobs in these areas range from casino jobs to hotel management. Tucson has a diversified economy with strong sectors such as education, healthcare, aerospace, military, transport, and technology dominating. Tucson is also home to several high-tech startups.
Las Vegas has several large hospitals and healthcare centers like the UMC Southern Nevada and Sunrise Hospital. Tucson is home to two award-winning hospitals, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Tucson Medical Center, making it a desirable healthcare destination in the region.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Las Vegas boasts modern infrastructure designed to support its bustling hospitality sector, featuring an international airport, convention centers, and extensive highway networks for easy commuting. Tucson also has good infrastructure, with ongoing investments in transportation and public facilities, and it is known for its well-maintained parks and public spaces.
Infrastructure
Type
Las Vegas
Tucson
Hospitals
39
24
TV stations
12
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
281
159
Bank institutions located here
34
17
Main business address for public companies
57
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
32
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Las Vegas
Tucson
1999
2,657
3,131
2000
579
1,601
2001
371
912
2002
380
778
2003
3,590
1,409
2004
5,908
2,041
2005
7,894
2,872
2006
6,914
2,833
2007
3,733
1,601
2008
1,431
714
2009
813
386
Culture and Food
In terms of culture and food, both cities have a lot to offer. Las Vegas is famous for its nightlife, casinos, and fine dining, with renowned chefs running restaurants. Tucson, a designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offers Southwest and Mexican cuisine and is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Las Vegas hosts several professional sports teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). Tucson doesn't house any major league sports teams but boasts a fervent college sports scene, thanks to the University of Arizona Wildcats.
Las Vegas, NV
Tucson, AZ
