A Great Place to Live
Tucson was chosen as the fifth best place in America to live, out of a field of 331 communities in 2006 by MSN.com. The ranking takes into account the cost of living, crime rate, education, home prices and weather. Arizona is now the fastest growing state with a population of 6.1 million (Dec. 2006), and the Tucson metro area has a population slightly over 1 million.

Living expenditures are typically the most significant aspect of your annual costs. The cost of living in Tucson is slightly below the national average at 98.8% in the third quarter 2006 ACCRA Cost of Living Index. Because Tucson is a winter tourist destination, rents can be slightly higher than expected, but are lower than Washington D.C., California and many metropolitan rental markets.

The HUD Fair Market rents for Tucson for 2007 are:

• Studio: $ 503
• 1-bedroom: $ 591
• 2-bedroom: $ 772
• 3-bedroom: $1114
• 4-bedroom: $1251

The Arizona Daily Star reported that the Tucson average rent is $655/month, the lowest of twenty western markets (4/19/07, M. Liedtke/source RealFacts Inc.)

Check the online Renter’s Handbook on the Student Union web site for additional information on housing.

Winter heating requirements are minimal, primarily needed in December and January.

Car and student health insurance, particularly for dependents, can be relatively costly. Many students qualify for AHCCS, Arizona's subsidized health insurance program.

Many fellows elect to use buses, the university shuttle service, and bikes, though a car is helpful especially if your internship is some distance away. Eighty percent of UA students live off campus.

Some Fellows are members of the Food Coop and gardening is possible here in the desert. While there are many high-end tourist restaurants, excellent, inexpensive eateries abound with interesting international eating choices.

Students at the UA may qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.

Remember to factor in moving costs and other projected travel expenses into your calculations. Although we work to establish your internship to begin at the beginning of the school year, it is desirable to have some funds available in reserve at the start of school.